Villarreal Visits

Kyce's Birth

2009-11-05T23:10:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, I blogged about the calm before the storm in the morning. Little did I know then just how turbulant and exuberant our lives were about to come. The rollercoaster of life's ups and downs was nearing a huge mountain.

I felt incredible anxiety waking up with sick girls knowing that we might have been exposed to H1N1 and I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with a doctor planned c-section in order to avoid the chance of a ruptured uterine wall.

After many prayers and finally feeling peaceful and calm I took the girls to the doctor where he put into words, "I wouldn't normally treat your family, however with a birth of a baby a week a way, we are going to overkill this one and just be safe." I got a prescription from my ob/gyn for tamiflu and the girls each got one also.

In the stress of the moment worrying about my sick little peanuts and my little peanut on the way I started seeking out the girls' tamiflu, which most pharmacies seemed to be out of due to a back order. After hours we found a Walgreens that would have it ready in a couple of hours.

While sitting at the doctor's office I could feel the stress building and I started contracting pretty strongly, which has happened off and on throughout all of my pregnancies. I find once I relax, drink a ton of water and just lay down, they usually go away. However when we got home I did the normal steps and found that the contractions were getting closer together and very strong throughout my back and not just the normal tightening.
So after some tears and fighting with my stubborn self that kept saying, "I am not going to have this baby before 36 weeks." I asked Benjy what he thought I should do and he asked me, "Are you afraid of dying?" My response was, "No, but I am afraid to lose this little one." He said, "There you go, there is your answer, if you rupture, he doesn't have a chance." That was enough to get me to make the trip to the dreaded labor and deliver, in hopes that they would buy us both at least another week to the scheduled c-section.

Upon arriving, they put me into a back room with a mask (noted in the computer, H1N1 exposure) and hooked me up to the monitors and saw that the contractions taking place were very regular, about every 5 minutes, my blood pressures were coming in at 190/88-90, the babies heart rate took a big long dip and so they kept telling me for two hours...we are going to test this and that and hook you up to an IV in hopes to slow the contractions and buy you some more time. They didn't want to give me a shot of turbutaline to stop it because they didn't like the way my contrations were coming down. (words that were told to me 5 years ago with Karsyn) Benjy stayed with the girls, because who were we going to ask to subject themselves to possible exposure to H1N1, plus Benjy was waiting to be able to go the drive-thru with sick kiddos at Walgreens to get their tamiflu. We didn't want to subject anyone else to this unless absolutely necessary.
I kept asking them for 2 hours, "Should I call my husband?" They kept reassuring me that they were just watching me to see what would happend and that they would let me know.

All of the sudden, in what seems like a blur right now, the doctor came in and informed me that he didn't like the way things were looking and that we couldn't let this go any longer and that we were going to do a c-section. I was invisioning myself getting up and walking out and saying, "Nope, I'll see you next week because I AM NOT HAVING THIS BABY BEFORE 36 WEEKS!" However... I thought, "If I walk out of this hospital and I rupture, I would never forgive myself." So I said, "okay, when? I will call my husband." He said, "NOW. We are doing the c-section now." In walks an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, someone with a lot of papers, a couple of nurses and someone to draw more blood. As I am on the phone calling Benjy telling him, "you have to get here now," the nurse says, "we can't wait for him, do you have a camera, I can take pictures, we are here for you."

AHHHHHH .... slow down, way too fast. I am not having this baby without my husband here...

So Benjy thought I was kind of kidding and wasn't really sensing the panic in my voice until I hung up on him so that they could start prepping me to leave for the surgery.

Thank goodness, thank goodness for friends like JoDell and others who willingly told us to call, no matter what! Benjy called her and she ran out the door maybe in her slippers and was at our house within minutes because her mom, Judy, was already there to keep her children. She gave Benjy some quick tips on how to get here fast and how to park and RUN... (which I still get teary eyed to think that JoDell herself has a 2 year old with asthma and a 4 month old baby to worry about getting H1N1 and yet she came without hesitation)

The whole team waited about 5 minutes and said," we have to move for the sake of this baby, when your husband gets here, we will bring him in."
As they finished giving me the spinal tap, in walked Benjy and instantly I knew everything would be okay!

He grabbed my shaking hand, kissed me and said, "I love you and don't worry...it is going to be okay." Now...after what seemed like forever... out came baby Kyce at a whopping 6 pounds 8.6 ounces and screaming his head off, just like his sisters.

Benjy said, "no gorey pictures." I think these are beautiful.

A little of Kaydree, a little of Karsyn and a whole lot of hair!

Just as I felt a sigh of relief that he looked and sounded good, they told me that he would still be an automatic admittance into the level 2 nursery because he was shy of 36 weeks by 2 days and that coupled with the possible exposure to H1N1 in our house. Little did I know that my world was about to come crashing down...more to come. (Don't worry everything is a-okay now.)

The Calm Before the Storm.

2009-11-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

About 24 hours ago I sat at my computer enjoying the peaceful, quiet morning after the girls left for school. In fact I updated my facebook profile saying how I felt so content and peaceful , that life was good.....and then....

less than 24 hours later...
The storm has hit. I am trying to have faith that everything will be okay. I am maybe a week away from having this little one. In terms of pre-term labor this pregnancy has been so much better than with both of the girls. I will be 36 weeks on Friday and at the beginning of this pregnancy I kept hoping to make it at least to 36 weeks and best hopes for 38 weeks. We have experienced such blessings during this pregnancy and I am ecstatic that this little one is still cookin' and doing well. My doctor is always weighing the risk of a preterm baby versus a rupture of the uterine wall and has been monitoring me very closely. I have been trying to get the H1N1 vaccine but as of last week my doctor said they got 34 doses for 2000 pregnant women. Even with gestational diabetes and being considered high risk, I wasn't able to get a dose. They gave them to those pregnant women with Asthma and heart conditions first. Which is more than understandable. My doctor just kept saying, "Kristen do not get sick with H1N1." Which I would chuckle, thinking of course that is what I am trying not to get.

So yesterday I sat thinking...we are so close, everything is going so well and then... Kaydree and Karsyn both woke up this morning with fevers, coughs, sore throats and body aches. My doctor is putting me on Tami flu as a precaution so that when I need a c-section, I will be healthy and the pediatrician is going to see the girls and hopefully start them on tami flu also. He says they are eligible since I called within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

After a good cry and some panicked thoughts... I started praying, praying and praying. I know that I can not control whether we all get sick, when this baby will be born and how this will all turn out. It is amazing to me how just saying a prayer and asking for some peace, I thought of the Serenity prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference. My wisdom is...I cannot control any of this...a common thought I get when I feel myself trying to control everything that is happening and I feel it building I think..."Let go...and Let God." I trust in him more than myself or anyone else, so I remind myself to TRUST in him and his plan...NO MATTER WHAT...I do not know or see all that he does or even a portion. What I do know is that he loves his children and these times of trials are for our Eternal benefit, our Eternal growth and help us continue to develop an ability to lean on him.

So my goal for today and whatever the next couple days/ or week brings... is to remember that it isn't important that we just make it through this storm but how we weather the storm. I want us to feel peace and faith and trust that ultimately it is our Father in Heaven who is aware of us and our needs and know that he has already provided a way for us to find safety and peace in times like this...

The Best of the Halloween Festivities...

2009-11-03T07:07:00.001-08:00

I have to admit we didn't make it to the biggest parade of all this year. After already being at 2 we decided to skip the 3rd. It was pretty cold and windy and we knew that we were going out on a hay ride later, so we decided to stay in the warm indoors and watch movies during the day.
I put on all of Kaydree's glittery nails, so Benjy and I tag teamed (which he was very excited about) for Karsyn's spider nails. She just loved them until...

We went to put on her gloves that show the fingertips and most of the nails fell off. Everyone was ready to go and Benjy and I were trying to stick them back on while she cried because her beautiful spider nails fell off. Benjy has forbidden nails for next year..;-) Actually there probably is a hint of seriousness to his joking. I wonder if being a witch this year has transformed Karsyn? Yesterday she came to the doctor with me and they let her pick out a sticker and out of all the Barbie and Dora stickers, Karsyn picked a snake. My doctor was very surprised and he asked her, "Do you like snakes?" Karsyn said that she loved them!????

I think there were 25 of us that rode around on the hay ride to go out trick or treating and 3 that stayed behind with 3 babies. Thanks again, Kyle for pulling us around and Seamans for getting us all together and for the yummy food!
We also rode down to a local church to participate in their Trunk or Treating and Free games. They had 33 cars decorated and 1 boat. It was my favorite part of the night. The themes were so fun and it was like hitting 34 houses in 10 minutes.
My favorite was the boat with President Bush and President Obama fishing and they actually would throw out the bucket on their poles and then reel them up for the children to get their candy. It was so funny!
Then we went inside for the kids to play games and of course the girls wanted their faces painted right away.
When we realized it was getting late we were in a rush to get home since Benjy has a meeting on Sundays that starts at 7:30 and Kaydree started choir so we have to be there at 8:30. As we were trying to collect everything, someone said, "Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour!" I didn't even realize it was happening Saturday night...so we were excited to stay longer and have some more fun! I love getting that extra hour of sleep. We were actually REALLY early to church! It was a busy week and a great weekend!

Pumpkin Carving

2009-11-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

We decided to carve pumpkins for Friday Family Fun Night, since we realized if we didn't do it then, it wouldn't get done. Last year my parents were up here so my dad helped do the cutting. I didn't feel comfortable cutting that close to the baby belly so the girls drew the faces they wanted and Benjy got to do all the cutting work. Karsyn made incredible progress this year. She actually dug out the seeds herself. Actually I had to finally get her moving because she just kept playing with the insides. What a difference from last year. She about cried just thinking about touching it!

Kaydree is always so dramatic about trying to scare her sister. This year however, it didn't work, Karsyn just gave it right back at her!

Kaydree got laughing so hard, she couldn't even talk. When Benjy went to cut out the teeth she wanted and he cut the top ones right off. Then when he went to cut Karsyn's bottom teeth, he cut them off by accident. If only he could combine their teeth, they would have a full set...

Kaydree's pumpkin.
Karsyn's pumpkin. I think Benjy added a little of his own creativity to her face. She didn't have it drawn exactly like that!

2nd Halloween Parade

2009-11-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Karsyn and I went into Kaydree's classroom to help her get on her make up for the parade.

It was actually fun watching everyone get so excited about marching in the parade. Karsyn was a little sad that she didn't get to march this year but next year she will. She decided to wear her costume, anyway.
I have to say, walking into classroom still makes me a little nostalgic.
She loves her class!

Notice Kaydree's long glittery fingernails... she looked creepy with them.

Kaydree got to wear her costume 5 times this year and Karsyn wore hers 6. Like my mom said, "At least you get your money's worth out of them!" Considering I always buy them on clearance after Halloween, the 2 dollars for each costume, really did pay off!
Getting ready to go march in the parade.

Missionaries and The First of Three Parades...

2009-10-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we had the Missionaries over for dinner. We decided to serve a Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, gravy, Stuffing, Beets, rolls, a spinach salad and Apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Why would a crazy pregnant lady with Gestational diabetes do this to herself? I don't know... all I could eat was the Turkey and Spinach salad and one scoop of potatoes. Thank goodness our friends The Kennedy's minus Nate joined us, so that we didn't end up having weeks and weeks worth of leftovers. ;-) For some reason we got a chuckle out of one of the Elder's who is from Samoa wearing a stocking cap.... he just had that look like he is really enjoying the cold. He thinks all of this snow and cold is fun. I guess I can understand why...

I think we really are starting to get into the idea of living near the Halloween Capital of the World... We went to the night time parade in Anoka last night. The first parade of three. On Thursday there is another one and again the longest parade ever will be on Halloween. (but worth it) We have been here for 3 years and haven't hit this parade and now I am glad we went. It was really NEAT, the girls loved it! I think we all did.

You have to get there early to get a good spot and thanks to the Seamans, who set up chairs for us all, we got a great spot! Benjy wasn't too excited since, again, he missed the last half of the 4th quarter of his Notre Dame Game. Last week he missed it for the Fall Festival and he is calculating missing it again next week for Halloween.

Kaydree can never get her fill of babies. We shall see if this changes when her little brother is born.

The Kennedy's were so sweet they picked up pizza for everyone. Kaydree opted for her favorite (Subway) with me, maybe out of sympathy. I love pizza, I can't tell you how many times I have listed pizza as my favorite food and now I can't seem to tolerate it with my blood sugars. Guess what my celebration dinner will be when I get home after the baby is born?????

Little Norin was so cute. It was a little chilly but I was actually hot sitting there with a winter coat on.

Everyone seemed to dig out their warm costumes.

I am impressed that the Kennedy's and the Daileys made it to this Parade in their first year living near the Halloween Capital of the World!

I wish I could have gotten more pictures of some of the floats..they were so neat, but for some reason they turned out blurry or dark.

After Benjy found out that Notre Dame had won, he seemed to enjoy it more.

We were all so thankful that it turned out to be a great night..the weather was perfect and the Parade was really neat!

2009 Fall Festival

2009-10-19T06:36:00.001-07:00

We live in Ramsey, however we belong to the Anoka Ward and Anoka is...The Halloween Capital of The World! Benjy has always loved his Hill Billy Teeth and lost them a couple of years ago, so I made sure he had a pair for this Halloween. He found some of the girl's stuff that they weren't wearing and threw it together. I think he was a cross between a creepy Wendy's Girl, Pippi Longstocking and Little Red Riding Hood?

Here is the baby bump picture some of you have been requesting.

Kaydree just loves inviting some of her friends to the Fall Festival. I tell you, I don't remember being that giggly as a child? Maybe I was...but these girls sure do have a GREAT time together.

Karsyn invited her friend, Elizabeth, but she was sick and couldn't make it, so thank goodness at the last minute her friend from Kindergarten and neighbor, Jayden could come. Look at the height difference between these two girls....

I heard there were at least 20 different types of chili to choose from! I love chili and it doesn't hike up my blood sugar and they were YUMMY! I think the chili cook off is one of my favorite parts of the Fall Festival. I used some of my parent's canned Tomato juice and it was so tasty... maybe I am biased? Some of the kids passed and went for the hotdogs.

I think Kaydree had a smile on her face the entire time. She is a diva with funky hair. We might paint it with hair spray paint for Halloween. Everyone kept asking her is she was and OLD diva?

Kaydree has finally caught up to some of her friends after having a huge growth spurt this summer!

The girls loved the musical walk and won coloring books.

What a cute little couple. They were so good with the little ones and a huge help!

I am always amazed at the costumes that Jessica makes. Unbelievable!

The goofs.

The cutest little family! Two princess' and a lady bug! Nate was a skeleton, but was off chatting with the guys when this picture was taken.

The spiciest chili went to Andy, hands down....I didn't try it with pregnancy reflux, but Benjy said is was soooo good!

The start of Trunk-0r-Treating.

The dog and feet had the little ones wondering .

Kaydree's friends loved the "spooky" lights. The little ones liked the cute trunks.

Some even hid in their trunks...Don't try this at home!

I thought is was really fun to see everyone decorate so differently.

Would you let your child take candy from this guy? Benjy was so excited to hand out candy..

What a great activity for the whole family. Our girls were so excited all day long for the Fall Festival to start. Benjy even missed the last 20 minutes of his Notre Dame Game to go...Thank you to all of those who made it possible.

A Birthday at Benihanas

2009-10-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today we met my cousin, Samantha, her husband (Glenn) and daughter (Belle) and my Aunt Karen and Uncle Doug for lunch, since it was Sam's Birthday. They invited us to join them at Benihanas. Benjy and I had never been there, but we have been wanting to go.

It is very entertaining as they cook the meal in front of you.

Karsyn was mesmerized watching the chef. I knew there wasn't a lot on the menu that she would eat, but she enjoyed the entertainment. She did devour the steak and chicken, she is our carnivore.

Kaydree and Belle both ordered Steak and Chicken and had shrimp for appetizers. Kaydree really liked the food!
They thought the little volcano made out of fried onions was so cool!
Samantha got her ice cream with a candle on top as they sang Happy Birthday in English and Japanese.
The group minus the pregnant lady who conveniently gets behind the camera as much as possible. We thought the food was excellent!

My Dad is a Yo-Yo (Lawyer)

2009-09-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

I had a doctor's appointment today so Karsyn got to go spend some time with her dad at his office. It just happened to be a theme day for college football and a Birthday Celebration. Karsyn thinks that it is a fun snack day at Dad's Work, everyday. In fact she wants to skip school tomorrow to go to work with Benjy. At one point in time, when Benjy was on the phone with a client, Benjy's secretary took her to the board room full of 30 other attorneys. Of course she loved being the center of attention. When they got home he asked Karsyn what she thought about what he does for a job and here was her response:

By the way at the end she says, "You can rock the world." We aren't quite sure that means.?

An On-going Domestic Dispute

2009-09-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

The other night Benjy and I sat watching the show, Hoarders. He said to me, "Isn't it funny how, here we sit after 10 years of marriage, with another little one on the way, the girls are in bed and we are excited to watch a show about people hoarding." When we first started watching the show, I could see the anxiety building in Benjy as he watched it. Benjy's first priority with keeping a clean house is, "his floors," as he calls them. Second on his list would be the elimination of clutter. He considers most things to be clutter, decorations that sit around, especially. Benjy called me last week and said that he felt like a psychologist with one of his clients that he had been working with for a year. He said, "It just dawned on me after watching hoarders, that this person was a hoarder. So I used some of the logic that we have watched on hoarders and I think that it helped." Sometimes as we watch the show we enjoy bantering back and forth about which one of us is more of a hoarder. Then we would start naming the things that the other hoarded. He thinks I hoard paper work and junk mail that needs to be sorted through. I called him the t-shirt hoarder until today....I have decided I get to add another item to his list....TIES!

For years we struggle with what I call the, "TIE ISSUE." Benjy likes to leave his ties, tied so that he can just slip them on, without having to tie them every time. Which is fine for a little while, however what happens, which drives me crazy is, the tie starts to turn over. So I am constantly flipping his tie back around. I also think the top starts looking very thin, the knot too small and too tight. He also seems to have a hard time getting to his ties because they start to stack on top of each other. (see above picture, right?) So about every couple of months, I untie them, iron them and hang them in a color coordinated way. Benjy is not happy and definitely doesn't feel very thankful that his sweet little wife does this for him. ;-)So why did I feel the need to do this process of reorganizing and ironing this morning? On Saturday I was running to look for a dress for Kaydree, so I asked Benjy, "Do you need anything, like jeans?" He of course said, "I need some ties." Now... a little background. Whenever my family asks him what he would like for Christmas or for his Birthday, his reply always is, "dress shirts and ties." So on Saturday I went into the closet and said, "I don't think you need anymore ties, you just can't see half of your ties, how about some jeans, you only wear 2 pairs of jeans." He then must have gotten hurt feelings because when I called him from the store to see exactly what size neck I should get he informed me that he didn't NEED anymore ties. (Sarcastically)

Now Benjy is someone who really doesn't ever spend money... on himself, hobbies, clothes or anything, so I felt kind of bad that I reacted to his need for a new tie. So I bought him one which I am not sure he likes... however he just hit his 35th tie in his little collection. Maybe after he reads this blog, he will have time to adjust to the straightening of this little collection before he gets home tonight?

P.S. I turned on the comment section just for you, Dear, in case you felt the need to have a rebuttal to this post? Keep in mind that I love you!

Minnehaha Falls on Labor Day

2009-09-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

This was the group waiting for our bikes.

We all thought they were so fun except for those who had to do all of the peddling. Which was all of the adults. I guess myself and the children got to ride around and enjoy the scenery!
All the little ones loved riding on the front of the bikes.Kaydree, Karsyn and I had a blast while Benjy got to pedal all of our weight, plus his own, plus the bike around!
Let's just say we had the bikes rented for an hour but we all decided to check them back in after 20 minutes. I couldn't help Benjy, so he was thought we was going to die! In fact I was laughing so hard everytime he had to stop on the hills and we held up traffic.... there was nothing I could do to help him. Doctor's orders....so he was on his own for doing all the work! I guess I could have gotten off the bike and walked a little...;-)

The little ones were so excited to hop the pebbles in the little river. It was absolutely beautiful out there. I love Minnesota!
They were looking over the falls. I don't know why I didn't get a picture of the falls?
We then decided to take them for a dip in the wading pool.
Kaydree and Madisyn had fun cooling off in their clothes. The other picture I should have taken was when Kaydree who is 8 changed into dry clothes to wear which were Bella's size 4 top and Parker's size 3 shorts on the way home! That was pretty funny! It was the last day of our summer and it was fun making it memorable with family and friends.

Bunker Beach: Second Day

2009-09-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that summer has come to an end. I have to say that I really didn't enjoy the heat this summer, so I am kind of thankful it wasn't a really hot summer. I have to admit it's nice to feel fall coming on. Here is how we spent our last weekend together before school started. A Vikings game, Bunker Beach and Minnehaha Falls (pics to come). It was a beautiful end to the summer.

Karsyn had so much more fun the second time around!
Kaydree is our little fish... She loved Bunker Beach.

I guess we all did!

Bunker Beach: First Day

2009-09-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

Kaydree and Karsyn participated in the summer reading program at the library this summer and earned passes to Bunker Beach Water Park. Kaydree loved the wave pool. She was completely wiped out after swimming for a couple of hours in the wave pool.

It probably wasn't the best day for Karsyn to go because she had just gotten her kindergarten shots earlier that day, so she just wasn't as into it.

She did jump a couple of waves before she decided to lay in the sun with me.

The good news was she got a second chance just a couple of days later when a paralegal at Benjy's office gave him 4 more passes for us to go. Second day to follow...

First Day of School

2009-09-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

Karsyn was very excited for her first day of Kindergarten. I think because she had a new haircut and a new outfit.
She is always ready to pose.

Kaydree looks so old. I just can't believe that she is starting Third Grade. Third Grade was the first grade that I taught and now those students graduated and some are married. YIKES!

She has grown so much over the summer. In fact one of her friends said, "Kaydree, you look so different!"

I asked Benjy to be home that morning because I knew I would be sad. He had to take off for court right after they left, so it felt like a very quiet morning, well day, actually. Not that I didn't appreciate the time to myself, but it felt very awkward. I think I will get use to it though, for a little while at least until the little one arrives.

I held off the tears until Kaydree grabbed Karsyn's hand to help her onto the bus. They both loved their first day. I worried all day that Karsyn wouldn't eat anything at lunch, but she came home and said that the food was awesome! Charlee pouted for most of the day. We were all very excited when they finally came home!

Vikings Game

2009-09-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

A friend gave Spencer 4 tickets for the Vikings Game last Friday night and they weren't going to use them, so they asked us if we would want them. The girls had never been to a game so we thought it would be fun. Benjy dropped us off so I wouldn't have to walk so far and the girls thought the Metrodome was so cool.
Benjy is a die hard college football fan and hasn't ever been into professional football, so we had to dig to find some purple clothes.

Kaydree was actually into the game and kept looking for Brett Farve on the sidelines.

Karsyn was into deciding if Victor the Viking was a boy or a girl and if it was a girl, how could they grow mustaches and beards? Then she wanted to know if this lady was real?

Benjy is coaching Kaydree's soccer team this fall and one of his player's dad just happened to sit next to us. (what are the chances of that?)So they chatted off and on during the game.

After the first quarter Karsyn asked if it was over and time to go? She said, "all you do is sit and watch football."
After she realized we were there for a little longer she started looking through the programs and found chocolate coupons from target. She was so excited she started scouting for un-claimed programs, in order to get the coupons!
Kaydree had a blast jamming out to the music in between plays. I think Kaydree would go back in a second, but Karsyn probably would pass up the opportunity to go again. Over all it was a really fun time. Thanks Spencer and Emily.

Helping Hands Day Two....

2009-09-08T08:42:00.001-07:00

We wanted to get together to celebrate Shantel's Birthday, so we thought it would be great to go out again.

It was a beautiful night and we hit our neighborhood.

The pregnant ladies drove the car.

The girls just loved having little friends to go out with.

They literally ran from house to house at times. Ahhhh the energy!

I think we were out for an hour and collected 122 pounds of food. I just heard from someone in our church out in Pennsylvania who is doing the same service project. It amazes me how much can be accomplished when people come together in order to try to help others. I am just so grateful that we are willing and able to try to make a difference, especially when we know that there really are so many in need during these times. I often believe that it is the ones serving that learn the most and get the opportunity to feel extremely blessed in the process.

Helping Hands Day One...

2009-09-07T19:32:00.001-07:00

WE have had a great opportunity to help the Minnesota Second Harvest food shelf by collecting food and non-perishable items. Here are some pictures from our first trip out.
The first night was organized as a Ward collection night and here was the group that showed up. The Andersons, JoDell (kids), Judy, Donna, Kayleigh and us.

We all really enjoyed it, especially the girls.

It amazes me at how comfortable Kaydree and Karsyn both were going up to the doors and asking people to help. They really enjoyed this experience and I hope they will always realize the importance of service and giving.

We kept teasing Donna because the first dozen houses she went to, no one was home.
And then....she was successful! Our Stake set a goal of collecting 100,000 pounds and asked our Ward to contribute 10,ooo pounds. That night I believe the whole group collected around 350 pounds. Although we felt successful we decided we would get out and increase our efforts again...besides we really did enjoy it as a family. Day two to follow...

Baby Boy Bash

2009-09-03T05:41:00.001-07:00

A week ago JoDell put on a fun Baby Boy Bash for myself and two of my friends that are also having boys. She always has such cute ideas. She seperated our tables with blakets, bibs and matching outfits that she gave us. She also had Kaydree and Karsyn help with the party favors which were little baby booties made out of cups and ribbons which were filled with yummy chocolate. They were so cute, I thought I got a picture of them, but I can't find it? The girls were so excited and had a lot of fun, while I got to run errands! Thanks, JoDell...

This is Nicole's first baby, my third and Shantel's fifth. Shantel has 4 girls so it is really exciting that they are having a little boy. It has been fun being pregnant together and now celebrating the birth of all these boys.
I just thought this little outfit was so cute...it says, "Grandpa's or Bust.." with matching camouflage pants. He will easily match Grandpa Koch in these.
My mom came up for the shower, she is holding JoDell's little baby boy, Alex, who is 2 months old, in this picture. While we were at the shower my dad helped Benjy fix his lawn mower, the deck stairs and they attempted to trap the little gopher in our backyard. Having this shower has made us all that more excited for the arrival of our little ones. Thank you to all that attended and helped us celebrate! And another Thank you to JoDell for making it such a special occasion.

Sounds of Summer Parade

2009-09-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago, yes I am behind in my blogging.... when we were in Marshall, we went to the Sounds of Summer Parade.It was a beautiful day. I think Grandma really enjoyed getting out. Benjy just loves it when I drag him to all of these parades! I don't think he went to very many as a child. It must be a Minnesota thing?
Let's just say our girls already know how to yell, beg, wave and run out for candy and all kinds of goodies! Auntie Karen has taught them well....
I had a lot of family in the parade, plus there were 23 of us (family) all sitting together that could yell, whistle and wave in order to embarrass them as they passed. That is always the fun part!

I think Karsyn was surprised when the, "Subway Man," actually knew her name!

We scored on the candy from this group!

Since we gave Pam such a hard time, she got distracted and got off the beaten parade track!A dentist walking by in the parade reminded us all to make an appointment after the parade. Kaydree and Karsyn had full bags of candy, footballs, necklaces, pencils, freezes and bottled water. Schwan's even handed out ice cream sandwiches to everyone!

Relay For Life: Cancer Walk

2009-08-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

A week ago, last Friday night, we attended the Relay For Life: Cancer walk in Marshall. We have attended this event in the past when we have been in town, but we all felt it was definitely something we didn't want to miss this year. The stands were full and all of the people on the floor in purple were the survivors there to celebrate. Their shirts said, "Had it, fought it, survived it." Grandma came with us. I really don't know how to explain all of the emotions that are experienced at this event. It is difficult...I lost my Grandpa to cancer and this is how this event first became personally significant in my life. And recently taken on even more significance. When you watch someone suffering from cancer and especially when it is hurting the ones you love.... you really loathe it and in so many ways you feel helpless in its path!
The unique experience about this event is all of the people coming together in order to remember the ones we have lost, support one another, encourage each other, celebrate in the lives that have been able to fight it, and somehow you try so hard to find some hope in whatever reason you have for attending. These girls just got done donating their hair. Karsyn loves pushing Grandma Ruth around, although we aren't ready just to let her go on her own. I don't think Grandma would appreciate it. Karsyn loves to hang out with her Great Grandma. In fact that night she wanted to have a sleep over all by herself with Grandma.
It is such a humbling, sobering, and life altering experience to walk around and see all of the bags that represent those lives that have been effected by cancer.
These are the survivors taking their first walk around the arena in order to kick off the night. I think it was somewhat impossible to find a dry eye in the place.

These are the moments that have helped define who I am as a person. I hope they help Kaydree and Karsyn realize just how much life is truly a gift each and every day. I hope that each of us remember that....how grateful we should be, when we are healthy and how much our prayers are needed for those who are not. I hope they also realize how much they are connected to their family, even the ones they didn't get to meet here on this earth.

Busy Girls:

2009-08-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

This week the girls have been helping with freezing corn and beets.Karsyn has really enjoyed it!
They have also helped pick, wash and can tomato juice.

Kaydree has also worked on her ball rolling technique.

There's No Place Like Home....

2009-08-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

After Benjy and I went away for the weekend, we joined the girls at my parent's house. Benjy went back today to work and the girls and I are staying here for the week. I really felt the need to be back home this week. We went out for lunch with lifelong friends and it was so nice just to sit and visit. Shawna and Becky are also pregnant and when we were leaving the host asked, "Is this a having a baby celebration or what?" We just laughed but I guess it really brought back memories for my mom and her friend Carol. 35 years ago Mary, My Mom and Carol were all pregnant with Chad, Becky and I! We then went and hung out with Uncle Roger and Aunt Judy and then went to see Grandma Ruth in her new Assisted Living Apartment. The girls built a fort!

They have been driving the golf cart and four wheeler and have loved having camp fires and sitting in the hot tub.
The girls built a Fort in the Wilderness and as Karsyn put it, "It blends in nicely with the environment!" They were dedicating their structure to Nacho Libre while they attempted to sing!

It Has Been confirmed...

2009-08-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

we are having a boy. We were told at a 13 week ultrasound but I wanted to wait for another ultrasound to confirm it, before we really started preparing. I am now 24 weeks and this one was done at 21 weeks. This is a shot from the bottom and his legs were curled up towards his chest, so it would be as if he were sitting on the camera with his legs pulled up. Do you think he will be mad at me for posting this picture someday?

We had both of the girls with us and the ultrasound technician was so nice, she talked to the girls the whole time showing them all of the different parts and then she decided to throw in some 3D images for us. Of course I cried just seeing his little hand like that. His other hand was turned sideways and 3D couldn't pick it up in that position. It looked like he kept giving the girls a thumbs up! It was so cute. These pictures of course are somewhat....strange/weird in the sense that we aren't use to seeing our little ones in utero like this. However strange...it was precious!

Benjy thinks he looks like Smeagle off of Lord of the Rings....NICE..... But I look at it like this...he was only 21 weeks old here! Now his job is to keep putting on weight and filling out. We would love a big healthy boy! My mom got teary eyed when she saw the images...she thinks he already looked like Grandpa Cap in his nose and lips. Whatever he looks like, he is already our little guy in there and we are excited to meet him! Three different ultrasound technicians have told me and every time I go to the doctor... he says, "Boy, you have an active little one in there!" Yep...I know... I am the one he wakes up in the middle of the night, kicking and moving, and then Benjy says, "Oh....GREAT....I know we are in for it, if this boy is anything like I was!"

At a Loss for Words....

2009-08-10T14:24:00.001-07:00

Do you ever reach that point where you just have run out of things to say? This summer has had it's ups and downs, trials and blessings, reunions and separations, amazing moments and extreme sadness. I have cried so much in the last two days that I feel like my tear ducts are running out of moisture. I feel at times my heart is going to burst with the love that I feel for my family because there is a hole that aches for a miraculous healing. I am amazed at the strength of my family. I know that so much is changing so fast and while there is so much to look forward to in certain areas of our life right now, I want to stop time altogether, and make everything all right.
I just read that it isn't the outcome of our trials that matters but how we endure them. On Sunday I heard a quote that, "FAITH is knowing that something good will eventually come out of our trials." Why is that so much easier said then done? And yet, the reality of it is....sometimes we just want to know why?
The burden is heavy and I pray that somehow.... someway.... the burden will be made light.
It is extremely devastating to watch the ones you love suffer as you feel helpless in the ability to bring them comfort.
And yet....it is that LOVE for each other that allows us to feel this deep connection, especially in families.
I want my family to know that I wish there was a way for me to reach out over the miles between us and hug each and every one of you and tell you that I love you!
So.... here is a cyber hug coming to all of you!

Anoka Elder's Quorum Summer Activity

2009-07-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I tried to talk Benjy and his counselors out of planning this Lake Activity two days after we got home from vacation. I had an idea that somehow it may end up including me in last minute items to be picked up? The day of the activity, Benjy worked in the morning, we ran to Owatonna to get Charlee and drop off Kaydree, only to get home to head up to Lake George. It was crazy....However......

it was completely worth it! Look at all the fun times that were had by all, inlcuding the wives and children!

Yes, that is Tyler and Travis next to one another, almost holding hands? ... with all their Marine, Army....yada, yada that goes back and forth! John was just the innocent bystander that didn't care: he just wanted to have FUN!

And....they did. But where did Travis go?

He was the Elder behind the boat! Audrey drove for awhile so that all three could tube together...but then Travis took over again!

The other Elders were playing Bocce Ball and

ladder ball.

They also had to harass others with water.

Even a famiy pet got to come and have fun.

Even a High Priest and his family decided to crash our party.

It turned out to be a beautiful night. The early rains cleared just about everyone else out, so we had plenty of space to ourselves.
I was sitting in the empty chair, so I can say it was nice and relaxing being an Elder's wife at this activity. They so kindly brought us chairs to sit in while "we watched the kids"... and the... "Elders played!" ;-)
We had great foodand plenty of it!
It's nice to be able to visit with people you don't always get to see on Sundays when they serve in other Auxiliaries.

Of course the little ones enjoyed the sand.

It is always fun to be able to come together as a Ward Family and enjoy one another!