We'll love you forever...

It has been months since we have gotten out of the house for a full day. It felt so good to "see" the world once again. The blue skies, the green trees, and the chirping birds were what we needed! We started the day by packing the car with our lunches, jackets, and masks. By 9am we were out the door headed for Rye, Colorado. Here we saw Bishop Castle. We climbed many stairs, many which were made of stone and some made of metal too. The higher we went, the more wobbly the stairs—yes, it was a little scary, but we ALL were brave. It was fun watching you guys get so excited about all the hidden areas that you could go into. Nothing was off limits. Hand Sculpture Best Kids Ever! Best Fun Large Chair Top of the Castle First set of stairs that we climbed!    Wobbly Bridge - Scary! After walking around this very unique castle, we found a lovely lake called Lake Isabel and ate our lunch right on the water. We watched a fire helicopter pick ...

Great Grandma gave us a Story Jar... The point of the story jar is to tell the stories of your life, and record them for all to remember. How fun - let's start documenting. Question : Can you remember a historic event that happened when you were in school? Who told you about it? Dad : I was driving to school and on the radio I heard about 9-1-1. Cooper : We are living history right now because COVID-19 is happening as we speak. I remember hearing about it when our family went to the public library. Mom or Dad told me about it. We then had to do school at home for a couple of months. Mom : I remember two events in history from when I was in school. First, I remember when 9-1-1 happened. My friends and I were driving to school and we were listening to Alice 105.9, and they had been saying that an airplane had just flown into a building in New York. At the time, I didn't know that it was a terrorist  attack. Then, I got to school and I was a teacher aide in a Fren...

I know... it's been a long time since I wrote last! I hope to be better about this because you guys are growing up so quickly! We are nearing the end of a really interesting year. Cooper, you are in first grade, and Reagan, you are in kindergarten. You both have blossomed so much and I am so proud of you. COVID-19 Face Mask (we had to wear them everywhere we went outside the house) Reagan , you have grown your kindness muscle so much this year. You are a friend to all. Your heart is so big and cares so deeply for others. You have become this beautiful reader this year. I love how you have persevered and enjoy reading to yourself before you go to bed at night. You have found such great joy in reading Dr. Seuss books and Elephant and Piggy books too. You are able to do this because you have really persevered in studying your sight words. Thanks for being such a wonderful leader in school, at home and at Taekwondo (purple belt, go girl!). I know that we are ending your first...

Undoubtedly, this is a camping trip that will go down in the books. Each day was packed with many fun and adventurous experiences.  After two days of packing the camper (you kids need a lot of extra "stuff"), we pulled out of our driveway and almost 8 hours later we finally arrived at Ridewau State Park. The drive down had some awesome moments and some other moments filled with tears. This was a long drive for both Rea and Cooper. This was the first long drive yet. Here in another couple of weeks we will be taking a much longer drive, this shall be interesting.  We met Grammy and Papa at the campground, they were thrilled to see the babes because they've been out of town for the past two weeks. More importantly, our little darlings were even more thrilled to see the wonderful Grammy and fun Papa. Together, we spent our days fishing at the upper and lower ponds. Cooper entered into his very first fishing derby where he won a certificate for the youngest boy who caught the ...

Cooper is two days from being 13 months, and today he had his very first dentist appointment. He has four teeth on the top and four teeth on the bottom. I think Cooper gets his teeth pretty quickly and maybe even a little early compared to others.  The pediatric dentist thought Cooper was just a hoot. And, Cooper thought the dentist office was a hoot-very bright and colorful with lots of toys. An amazingly exciting dentist office. When Cooper laid back in my arms into the dentist's lap he suddenly was a little frightened and was unsure of what it was that we were looking at. He cried, but was a strong boy. He even got to visit the treasure chest when he was finished.  The dentist said Cooper's teeth look wonderful, however, he said to be prepared for the two molars that are about to come in. Michael and I thought to ourself, yep, we figured-he's been drooling uncontrollably lately.  Our little man keeps growing up so fast. It's hard to keep up. The small moments truly d...

Winter break has been so much fun this year with a little one WALKING all around. Yup, you heard it. Cooper is walking tall and proud with great confidence. He picked this up so quickly. He is always so proud of himself after taking some long and graceful strides. He claps for himself and grins the happiest smile.  Mommy and Daddy could not be more proud of his hard work and determination to want to do so well. He doesn't give up, he just gets up and tries again and again. Now, we ask, what are we in for, and will we be able to keep up?

A godmother is a special person and Cooper is lucky enough to be blessed with two godmothers. Both Jaclyn and Alayna said they would be delighted. Michael and I know that both of these lovely ladies will continue to teach, shape and nurture Cooper's growing faith. Cooper will be baptized on February 10th at 10:30 am. We look forward to the family attending this event in support of Cooper's first stepping stone in his journey of faith and love for Jesus Christ.

Our little man has already grown so much. It's hard to believe that he is one month old already. We have watched our son grow to experience so much already. Cooper is beginning to track with his eyes, following his mommy and daddy. We do love how Cooper just stares at us, learning our every last feature, learning how to mimic a smile, raise an eye brow or pucker up for a kiss. Mommy can't wait for her little guy to kiss her back and Daddy cannot wait for Cooper to captivate him with a stunning smile (while he's awake that is). We have been amazed since day one at this little guy's strength. He has been able to lift his head off our chest and hover there for awhile. He will now push himself with his legs to a standing position when you hold him and position his feet on the ground. We keep telling him that he is a hockey player in the making, so I suppose he knows that strength is a good thing! Cooper's one month check up came upon us much too quickly. Little did I ...

Facebook is great for many reasons... Today, I read on someone's post, a quote, and it made my heart flutter for two reasons. My dad was my first love, and my hero — and now Michael is my love and also a strong hero in my world. Now, these two men will forever make their own imprint on Baby's life and world. Baby has many great men in his/her life, what a lucky Baby! "A dad is a son's first hero and a daughter's first love." - Michael is so much more, but I think these words are very moving, they made an impact on my heart and me. Michael is a hero to more people than he truly realizes. He makes his own imprint on family's and friend's hearts. We spent the day at Grandma's house as she continues to recover and rest from her ailments. We helped clean out her kitchen pantry and then cooked dinner. Again, we gather around the table and share wonderful stories—how I love and cherish these moments. Michael sits next to me and rubs my hand and h...

A Mother's Love Fills the Air... Today... And Everyday! It's Sunday morning, I wake up excited because today the family gathers together at our house for Mother's Day. Nothing makes me more happy than having the family under one roof. The last time the family was together at our house was the day we announced we are pregnant. Mother's Day is a day dedicated to mothers all around the world—a time to celebrate a mother's loving heart, her tender touch, her ability to always say the right thing, and her amazing know how (a mother knows everything). Michael and I our blessed to be surrounded by the most magnificent mothers. I'm excited to say that I have BIG shoes to fill... I have a mother and a mother-in-law who are super heroes; although, I know that with the support of each of these wonderful, brilliant women, I will be the next generation super-hero mom. I have learned that LOVE conquers all and PATIENCE is key. Michael and I thank our wonderful moms. We l...

It's that time again... Fridays are typically wonderful days, especially after very long weeks. School is winding down and our sixth graders are preparing for Outdoor Ed. and their fractured fairy tale plays, so to say the least the kids are a little rowdy—they are ready to be seventh graders. It's only been two weeks since our last visit to the doctors, but these two weeks sure felt like forever. After hearing Baby's heartbeat at the first appointment, Michael and I couldn't wait to hear that beautiful, magical sound again! Michael sat waiting for me in the school parking lot with a smile on his face as I walked out the two back doors of Fox Creek. I opened the car door and was greeted by the most amazing husband and soon to be most magnificent father. Together, we headed down the road to the opposite side of Highlands Ranch to visit our doctor again. As Michael parked, we took a big breath—this was it—we get to see Baby for the second time. After checking in at ...

Another exciting day awaited us, just three short days after our first appointment. Today, was the day we had prepared to share our fabulous news with the most special people in our lives. Not only was it Announcement Day, but it was the last day of Michael's six week Lieutenant's class. A special reason to gather the family together to celebrate such a wonderful man and all of his accomplishments (Daddy's preparing for his future, the future that will give Baby everything he/she needs). As moms, dads, sisters and grandparents walked through our front door each individual greeted Michael with kind words of love. Little did they know what news and invigorating words they would hear from us later in the evening. Words that would fill their ears with much joy and anticipation. Although our meal for the big day was a simple meal, hamburgers and bratwurst, it was a great excuse for Michael to purchase a new grill.  A few days before, we spent a full day shopping for...