Little Tap Shoes

Our little dancer did an amazing job at her recital! She looked so grown up with her stage makeup and hair. You can watch a portion of her performance at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye6i5eVKvYA -- keep in mind this video was taken at the rehearsal because no cameras were allowed at the recital. My favorite part is when she can't find her place in line! Too cute. It reminds me of the scene from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where he squawks on a clarinet and proclaims, "Not one lesson." We paid $50 a month plus registration fees and costume fees etc...for this once in a lifetime moment. And yes, it is priceless!

Wii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After months and months of hearing about how all Jackson's friends had a Wii -- Mike and I decided to see what all the fuss was about. We asked a few questions while on a trip to Best Buy and talked to a sales representative about the best times to find a Wii in stock. Then we walked to Toys R Us just for fun and guess what -- they had four Wii stations behind the counter. I pressured Mike into buying one on the spot because I did not want to waste time standing in lines and repeatedly looking at stores because I knew how hard they can be to find. I promptly took the kids to the other side of the store and Mike took our secret purchase to the car. We kept it in the closest for months trying to decide the best time and way to surprise the kids.

We decided to use the Wii as a reward for the kids' good work in school. Jackson had perfect attendance this year! He also did an amazing job on his spelling, reading and math. We were just blown away with all he accomplished.

Given Jackson's new found obsession with Indiana Jones, Mike had the idea of a scavenger hunt that would require the kids to incorporate some of what they learned in school. Mike sent Jackson an e-mail from Indiana Jones that announced the adventure. Then the kids followed clues around the house that required them to do such tasks as count money, spell words and cross the monkey bars. It was awesome! The kids had a ball! The last clue led them to a treasure box with a Wii game and controller inside. You should have seen their faces! It was one of those top 10 parenting moments where you fell like a true hero for helping their dreams come true! We inclued a letter in the treasure box to tell them they received the Wii for their amazing work in school -- we hope it will encourage their continued good efforts!

May Day, May Day!

I am exhausted. This has honestly been the busiest 6+ weeks of my entire life. I never anticipated my life as a stay-at-home mom this way. I honestly never knew how hard it was until I stepped into these shoes. For some crazy reason, I thought things would get easier once the kids started school. Many things are easier. I do get to sleep through the night and it has been a very long time since I had to change a diaper. But, now my days are packed with swim practice, baseball practice, ballet, school plays, volunteer hours at the school, homework, laundry, cooking, cleaning, running errands, playdates and my many March of Dimes commitments. Most mornings I get up at 5:15 in hopes of squeezing in a quick workout and I honestly don't stop until 9 p.m. or later. And, I know you are all doing the same thing! It is just hard to keep up this pace. But, I do know that my hard work is paying off and I will probably not see the fruits of my labor for many, many years to come. But, I know what I am doing is important and it is appreciated...even it the thank yous are few and far between.

What a month it has been -- and it's not over yet. But, June is just a few days away -- I know I can make it. I think I can...I think I can....I do want to say that I am happier than I ever thought possible. I do find value in my roles as wife, mother, friend and volunteer. It is not glamorous and it leaves me drained most days. But, I would not trade it for a fancy job with a check with lots of zeros either. For me, this is it. This is where it is at. I would like to say that I run a tight ship and I rarely miss when juggling all these balls, but the truth of the matter is that things are dropping all the time. I struggle each day to keep my mind and my arms wrapped around all that is on my plate. But, it is exciting and it sure keeps life interesting. Hats off to all my mama friends. You are absolutely amazing! Now, can I take a nap???? Or, can I at least have a drink?

God Bless America

Lauren participated in her school graduation program last night. It is hard to believe that my little girl is about to start kindergarten. The theme was a tribute to our troops and our Country. It was a beautiful program. The kids were escorted into the auditorium by a navy Sergeant if full uniform carrying the United States Flag. The children all wore red, white and blue and sang songs including "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful." It was a wonderful night. I was very proud of our little girl and just can't get over how fast she is growing up. I just want to freeze time and keep her five forever. She is so sweet and so fun. Just a precious little angel -- until her brother gets home from school!

The last song the children sang was entitled, "Before We Say Goodbye John 3:16." I had never heard the song before and was so touched by the words and the message. It basically was a story of friends parting, but before they left each other, one asked the other friend if he new Jesus and went on to witness to his friend. The children recited John 3:16 and it was so special hearing it from their sweet voices. It was a beautiful reminder of Christ's love for all his children. A perfect ending to a very special night!

Homeroom Mom

A couple of weeks ago, I received a flier from Lauren's school announcing the upcoming teacher appreciation week. It provided ideas for helping make sure all the teachers felt the appreciation of their students and their families. It encouraged parents to contact their homeroom mom to help plan special gifts and activities for the week. Well, I know this sounds pretty bad given it is May, but I honestly had no idea who the homeroom mom was for Lauren's class. Lauren participates in the carpool line so I just drive up and drop her off and zip through and pick her up. I check in with the teacher from time to time by e-mail just to make sure everything is going smoothly and to offer my help here and there. But, for the most part, I have not been very active in the school this year. Given I did not know who to contact for teacher appreciation week, I sent an e-mail to Lauren's teacher to request the contact information for the designated homeroom mom. Well what do you know....she said I was the homeroom mom! Oh my gosh. You have got to be kidding me. I mean I planned the Christmas party and I helped with the field trip etc...but I had no idea I was the homeroom mom! Surely there had to be other moms that were more involved that I was the whole year??? Yikes. That meant I was in charge of plans for teacher appreciation week. I hurriedly put together a list of parent e-mail addresses. Then I sent out a letter asking for monetary donations to purchase gifts for the teacher and teacher's aide. I called the office to get gift ideas (did you know they keep such things on records for just such an occasion???) Then it was off to the races to purchase gifts for the week. I share this with you all only because I know you can relate. And if you can't, it is just a reminder to really appreciate your homeroom moms. I don't think the title of homeroom mom is accurate. It truly is a challenging and time consuming job with little thanks. It deserves a much more lofty title. And guess what, no sooner had I wrapped up teacher appreciation week than I had to jump right into planning the end of year party- - which just so happened to fall on the same day as my long anticipated hair appointment. This mom stuff requires the organizational skills of a professional wedding planner -- and the accounting mind of a CPA! Who knew????

March for Babies -- It's a wrap!

More than 8,000 people took part in March for Babies 2008. It was a wonderful and emotional day for my family and for 100s of other families that celebrated the health of their children. It also served as an opportunity for many families to memorialize their babies that are no longer with us today.

I am frequently asked when I think I will quit putting so much of my time and energy into the March of Dimes. Jackson is seven now and Lauren is five. The months in the NICU are far behind us. But the memories of the days, weeks and months following Jackson's early birth have stayed with me. The wound has healed, but the scar will always be there to remind me of what we went through.

I continue to invest a great deal of my time into the March of Dimes in hopes of helping the 1,000 mothers in Texas who will have a preterm baby this week and the seven mothers in Texas who lost their preterm baby this week. That is what keeps me motivated to keep fundraising.

I am pleased to report that our family team raised $7,340 and we are anticipating another $450 in corporate matching dollars! I believe strongly in the mission of the March of Dimes and I thank you all so much for supporting my efforts! A special thank you to those that registered for March for Babies and helped raise money for this important cause. And, thank you to all of you who forwarded my donation request to your friends and family. Your efforts helped me reach more people, raise more money and educate others about premature birth.

It took 17 years and four billion dimes to find a cure for Polio. I am confident that within our lifetime a cure for premature birth and many of the birth defects that are common today will be achieved. But, it will require people like you and me to make it happen.

Thank you again for your generosity – you are helping make a difference in the lives of babies!

Mother's Day Tea

For Mother's Day, I was invited to a very special tea party at Lauren's preschool. It was one of those “moments” where you truly cherish the blessing of being a mom. The tables were beautifully decorated. The kids showed us to our seats and pulled out our chairs. They served us cookies and lemonade. I have never seen such well–behaved, sweet children. It was truly amazing. Then they presented us with hand made necklaces that are so precious – I will cherish it for a lifetime. I would like to say it was a surprise, but Lauren could not wait to give me my gift so she broke down and told me about it days before the big reveal!

The kids sang a song about standing on the rock of Jesus and I was moved to tears – yes I know, I know – I am easily moved to tears. But, in this case I am sure you would have all shed a few too!

Each child presented their mother with a picture they drew of us and with questions they had answered about us. Did you know that I am 27 years-old, I weigh 94 pounds and I love to play Barbies? Upon reading this to Mike, he said he wanted to meet Lauren's Mommy!

I feel so blessed to be a mom and I know you all feel the same way.

Nuts!

Jackson played the lead role of Chicken Little in his first grade class play, Nuts, earlier this month. He did a great job! His opening line, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling...It fell right on my head." The costumes and decorations were simple and the music took center stage. The kids did an amazing job with lyrics and accompanying hand motions. Class plays have really evolved since my days in grade school. And, 99 percent of the parents watched the entire performance through their view finders -- a sign of the times.

Cubs Take Second Place!

Jackson participated in two baseball tournaments in addition to two weekly practices and regular weekly games this month. Our life has revolved around the baseball schedule! Their efforts paid off and the Cubs took second place in their division! We were so proud of our little guy. It took him 7 games into the season to hit his first ball. But, once he did, he was hot at the plate! He learned so much this year and had a great time with his friends. They were a very special group of little men. Jackson was a member of the "squirt squad" which was made up of him and two of his best friends. They are all almost identical in size and shape and they followed each other in the batting order. All three put the ball in play much to the surprise of the opposing team. They were our secret weapon! And, I have to give a big shout out to Mike, our amazing pitcher. He did a great job week after week. Pitching is no easy task for these little guys because their strike zone is so small given their size. Mike's presence on the mound gave Jackson confidence and helped him feel comfortable on the field. It was a great experience for our entire family! Yea Cubs!!!!

P.S. I was voted best fan because of my amazing cheerleading skills! I actually lost my voice during the first tournament. And, I might add, that I was always positive and usually cheered for both our team and our opponents.

Brotherly Love

Recently while shopping at Target, Jackson found a box set of Star Wars action figures that he really wanted. They cost $20.00. He has been saving his money and he had $16.00 with him. I told him he did not have enough money right then, but he could save up for the reamining $4.00 or he could put it on his birthday wish list. We continued shopping. A few minutes later I noticed that Jackson had his hands in Lauren's mouth. I scolded him and told him he was getting germs in Lauren's mouth and to STOP THAT RIGHT NOW. Lauren said, "That's O.K. mom. I told Jackson he could pull one of my teeth because the Tooth Fairy brings me $5 for each tooth. That way, he will have enough for his aciton figures." Now on a side note you should know that Lauren does not currently have any loose teeth. This meant she was willing to sacrifice a tooth and the pain and suffering of pulling a tooth in order for her brother to have the toys that he wanted. Now that is love!

Spring Break

I am exhausted! Spring Break was anything but a break for us. The kids and I took a short trip to East Texas to spend some time on the farm with Nana and Big Daddy. The kids had a blast riding in their Gator! Big Daddy also surprised Jackson with a new BB Gun. And you know what -- the boy is a good shot!!! We were all impressed. Jackson also enjoyed practicing his bull riding skills on Sunday at Cowboy Church (check out my Cowboy Church Blog Entry).

Then it was home again to celebrate Lauren's birthday. Lauren actually celebrated her birthday for a full week. The girl really takes after her mom. I think we ate our weight in cupcakes!

We then headed to Waco for a day at the zoo. (Check out our great pictures in our Waco Zoo Blog Entry).

Lauren also had a friend over for her very first sleep over. We went to Chuck E Cheese and had a great time playing at the park.

Then Daddy and Jackson went on their first overnight camping trip.

I think we squeezed as much fun into one week as possible! I am ready to slow things down a bit!!!

Sleep Over

To celebrate her fifth birthday, Lauren had her first sleep over. Lauren hosted her best friend Kayla from preschool to lunch and games at Chuck E Cheese, a playdate at the park and dancing while watching 12 Dancing Princesses. They were so exhausted from all their activities, that they fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow! Lauren has already asked to have another sleep over. Given the success of her first, I am happy to oblige.

Waco Zoo

During Spring Break the kids and I enjoyed a trip to the Waco Zoo with our friends and neighbors the Wu Family (Emily, Elizabeth and Lila). I was so impressed with this zoo. I highly recommend it. I can't wait to go back!

Lauren's Special Day

In celebration of Lauren's 5th birthday, she went to Sweet & Sassy for a "Diva for a Day" makeover. She was the center of attention for hours while she got a manicure, pedicure, facial, haircut and style and makeup! Nana and Aunt Kasie joined us for this very special girl day. Once Lauren finished her Diva treatment, we headed to the mall to have her ears pierced. This is something we had discussed for many months prior to the big day. Lauren was determined to get her ears pierced even though mommy had explained how much it would hurt -- and it would require daily cleaning etc...She climbed into the chair without hesitation, squeezed a teddy bear and sucked on a sucker and the whole procedure was over in less than five minutes. Mommy had tears, but Miss Lauren did not! She could not wait to show off her new pink earrings. What a big girl.

We enjoyed a special girl's lunch. Then later that night the whole family headed to one of Lauren's favorite places for dinner -- Serrano's. The evening was topped off with a yummy 12 Dancing Princesses birthday cake. What a day! My baby is all grown up!

Cowboy Church

During our trip to East Texas we had the chance to visit my parent's new church. It is a Cowboy Church. For those Yankees reading this entry -- Here is what Wikipedia has listed as the description of a Cowboy Church:

"Cowboy Churches are local Christian churches within the cowboy culture that are distinctively western heritage in character. A typical cowboy church may meet in a rural setting in a barn, metal building, arena, sale barn or old western building, have its own rodeo arena, and a country gospel band. Baptisms are generally done in a cattle tank. The sermons are usually short and simple. Some cowboy churches have covered arenas where rodeo events such as bullriding, team roping, ranch sorting, team penning and equestrian events are held on weeknights, such as Thousand Hills Cowboy Church in Kerrville, Texas. Emphasis is placed on the "no barriers" model developed by Ron Nolen of Waxahachie, Texas, where he planted the first and the largest "cowboy church" in the world. The "no barriers" church model removes from the worship service the traditions that are believed to have no biblical basis, such as the "altar call" and passing of the collection plate. Tithes and offerings are simply placed in a boot, hat, or wooden bird house at the rear of the meeting room. Even though most of these churches are located in Texas, many have sprung up in other states across the Southwestern United States."

What an amazing way to worship. Cowboy Church is just that -- a church to help people in agriculture, specifically the cowboy, obtain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I told my dad it felt like they cut out the middle man and went straight to God. I truly felt the presence of Jesus and his work in the lives of those there. It was an amazing experience. And, we all got to wear our boots and jeans! I LOVE my church here in Austin, but I have to say there truly is something special going on in the Cowboy Church. I truly can't wait to visit again.

The picture above is of Jackson practicing his bull riding skills before the service!

Lion Heart

Jackson wrapped up his first basketball season following a very exciting tournament. The Heat tied their first game but lost in a shoot out in overtime. They were very successful in their second game winning by more than 10 points. Jackson scored the last basket (after the buzzer) but he was convinced that his basket won the game. Of course mom and dad could not steal away his thunder so he will never know -- shhhhh!!!

Following the game we had a pizza party at the park and the couch handed out trophies (Jackson's first). The coach said a few words about each player as they received their awards. He called Jackson the Lion Heart of the team because of his amazing team spirit. We could not be more proud.

Go HEAT!!!!!

Tooth Fairy

The tooth fairy will be paying Lauren an early visit! While we were at our annual dentist appt. last week, the dentist indicated that Lauren had two loose teeth. I could not believe I had never noticed! I brush her teeth 2 to 3 times a day! She is only 4 -- how can she be loosing teeth already?

When Lauren ate her lunch today she began to cry and said her tooth hurt. Then at dinner she refused to eat anything but ice cream. She was so upset that I took her stright from the dinner table to the tub. Usually if she soaks in a warm bath, all is as good as new. Well, she called me in before the tub was even half full to report that she had pulled her tooth! I just could not believe she did it on her own. Miss Independent. It took Jackson weeks to finally let us pull his first tooth. I think Lauren was determined not to let anything stand between her and food!

Kelley Christmas

Here are our little Santa helpers! They had an amazing time together. It was a full house, but a good time was had by all.

Kelley Wars

Many of you have asked to see the cool Christmas gift the kids and I had made for Mike. My amazing friend and talented photographer, Amanda Wintenburg, took the photos and made the poster -- don't ask me how she did it -- magic! Mike was speechless. I was amazed that the kids were able to keep it a secret for as long as they did.