It was a BEEEEE-YOUUUUUUU-TI-FUL day today!  The first day that I haven’t wanted to pass out from heat stroke every time I walked out the front door.   Thank goodness for air conditioners.  Holden asks to go outside all day long every day, as well as Kasen, but at least she understands that it’s too hot, he doesn’t.  Well, they were scrambling to find their shoes when I said that we could go outside and play.  Holden grabs his shoes and says, “Shoooooes, Owww-side” - too cute.  Normally we have them wear shoes because their feet would burn on the concrete, but today, today we didn’t need no stinkin’ shoes, it was cooler on the concrete - yahoooooo!!!!  ;) We started out with a snack, played with insects, then we moved on to playing ball.  We had some swing time, slid down the slide a LOT, played in the fort, rode on the glider, had tickle fights on the grass, each had a ride on the tricycle, we rode the plasma car (Kasen pushed Holden and I, then I pushed her), we played with the water table and then it was time for sidewalk chalk.  It was Holden’s first time with the chalk and I could not stop laughing.  I took tons of pictures and I had to share them before going to bed tonight because they’re just too cute.

Kasen and Holden started out drawing together on the concrete, but then Holden moved on to writing on the post. LOL

Holden then decided to taste the sidewalk chalk!  The face he made after he took a bite was priceless.  I was SURE he wouldn’t do it again after THAT face.

However . . . . he did . . . . he tried the red next . . . .

. . . then the pink . . . .

. . . . then the purple . . .

Kasen was mortified and tried to get all the chalk out immediately.  By the way, I had already wiped his mouth clean a few times before those last pictures were even taken. LOL

And really, there’s nothing cuter than a chalk bum!

Our day did NOT start out well, but the day ended fantastically - the kids and I both were so excited to play outside.  We headed for the backyard before 3:00 p.m., and after playtime, and the kids taking a walk with Mae Mae and Papa, they didn’t come inside until 6:30 p.m.  They were wiped out when they went to sleep.  Love that.  The cooler weather was exactly what we were needing.  I’m hoping for lots more of those days - wonderful, wonderful memories were made.

See ya’ later!!

Just a little bit of fun before Holden hit the hay.  He was playing earlier on the slide, actually in the buff , but he wasn’t sliding too well like that! LOL  Kasen wanted to stay outside and play, so Brad took over outside duty.  I then headed inside to give Holden a bath and get him ready for “Nigh Nigh” as he says.  Well, as I was gathering all of his stuff, he saw Brad outside and had a fit.  He was grabbing the doorknob, standing on his tip-toes, saying “Oww-side!  Owww-siide!  Owwww-siiide!”  Listening to that cute voice and watching him work so hard to get outside, I, of course, took him out for one last little playtime.  And that’s the reason he’s in his jammies.  A few slides did the trick and he was ready to head for bed.  LOVE the look on our little man’s face in these pics.  Love, love them!

The kiss-off from Kasen. LOL

Kasen helping Holden take off.

See ya’ later!!

Kasen just returned from a camping trip with Brad’s parents, her Mae Mae and Papa.  She’s one very lucky little girl to have such great grandparents.  They are making such wonderful memories with her, ones that will definitely last a lifetime.

Me, well, I couldn’t have been happier to see her run into my arms this afternoon.  I really missed her.  Holden and I even played in her room a lot while she was gone so we could have some pretend “Kasen time.”  Holden has started calling for her now.  In the past, he’s called her “KayKay,” “ShaySay,” and now his latest is “Kayyyyyy-Seeeeeeee.” LOL  I could tell that Holden was a little off his game while she was gone, but he hung in there.  Kasen waited patiently for Holden to wake up from his nap after she arrived home.  She discovered him first on the monitor, saying “He’s sitting up.  He’s sitting up.  Can I PLEASE go see him now?”  It’s very sweet how much she loves him, and it’s definitely a mutual admiration society . . . . . well, most of the time! LOL  He seemed pretty excited to see her enter his room and they even read a few books in his crib together and played a bit before getting on with the afternoon.  They had fun chasing each other and playing with trains, balls, and a pretend vacuum cleaner (Holden’s fave).  We only had one infraction which landed Kasen in time-out.  My favorite line ever - “You can’t be mean to me.  I’m FIVE now!” LOL  Well, being mean to her little brother was what landed her in time out.  Holden did his usual - going to her while she was on time out, pointing his finger at her and yelling “No, No, No, No, No.” LOL  Then he would squat down so he could see her eye to eye.  It actually turned out great because it made her laugh, and it happened 10 seconds before her time-out was over.  Everything ran smoothly after that, thank goodness.  Just testing her limits I’m sure - has to see where she stands . . . guess she found out.

We had a little play time in the backyard late in the afternoon, it was a little cooler then.  They really did great.  Kasen is such a good helper when Holden starts getting into things he shouldn’t.  It’s a good thing too, because he’s super fast now.  A lot of the times, she can get to him before I can and steer him in the right direction, which is wonderful.  Actually, she can be quite the Mother Hen.  I gave him a cheese cracker this afternoon and she promptly took it from him, telling me, “That cracker has cheese in it.  Do you know that cheese has milk in it?  Holden CANNOT have milk.” LOL  She’s right about the milk, but he’s doing quite well with the crackers . . . . as long as he doesn’t have too many.  Funny girl, she is one smart cookie.  Okay, back to playing in the backyard. They both had some swing time, they played in the fort, and Holden ran around touching stuff and saying “Hot! Hot!”  LOL  He’s not a fan of the hot.  We were outside the other day and he touched one of our patio tables and yes, it was super hot.  He pulled his hand back so fast, put it on his chest, and looked at me with the most serious (and shocked) face and said, “Hot. Hot. Hot. Hot.”

Here’s Kasen playing on the swing, obviously upside down.  Look at that sweet face.  Oh, how I’ve missed it.  The cuddles all afternoon and the numerous times she said, “I love you” and “I missed you soooo much” just warmed my heart.  I was holding her quite a bit today, and when I had to get up, she said, “Nooooo, I wasn’t done loving on you yet.”  Awwwww, another Mommy melting moment.  What a sweetheart. <3

See ya’ later!!

Wow, what a GREAT day!!  Kasen woke up early and whispered in my ear, “Mommy, wake up.  It’s my birthday!” <3  She was so excited.  Brad and I hurriedly got out the video camera and led her to her first present, a makeup musical vanity table.  She loved it!  Holden gave her a play makeup kit that she adores.  Yes, he picked it out himself. LOL  I held up two and he picked.  She has been asking for a makeup table where she can put ALL of her makeup on, so it was definitely a hit.

We had a fun day of watching movies and having a picnic in bed while Holden napped.  At 5:00 p.m. we headed over to Brad’s parents house for Kasen’s family birthday party.  Heather had the table set beautifully for a princess.  We had a wonderful meal and fabulous cake - what more could anyone ask for?!  Oh yeah, and Kasen opened her presents before dinner.  You know, she hasn’t even been five for 24 hours . . . . we can’t expect her to have the patience of a saint just yet.  She loved all of her gifts and I’m always so proud of her for being so incredibly grateful.  She gave many, many hugs and many thank yous throughout the day - sweet.

I do have pictures, but I’ve lost my card reader, and right now I’m trying to hook up my camera to the computer, but it’s just not working.  Sooooo, pics to come later.

Happy Birthday to our adorable, exuberant, wonderful, charming princess.  You make everyday joyful and we can’t imagine life without you.  We can hardly imagine it before you.  You have brought more happiness and love into our lives and we are the ones who are truly grateful.  You are and will always be our light after the storm, our rainbow baby, our sweetheart. We love you to the moon and back.

Happy 5th Birthday Kasen!!!!!!!!!

Kasen - isn’t it adorable?

I took her in about a month ago and she had five inches cut off.  She really wanted it shorter, but I wasn’t sure she actually did.  Anyway, I told her if she still wanted it cut short that we would go back.  Welllllll . . . . she REALLY wanted it shorter, so we went back and got four more inches cut off.  I told her it was so cute and that I loved it.  She responded by  cupping her hand under her hair, all the while bobbing it up and down, batted those beautiful blue eyes up at me, and said in her best teenager voice, “You really should have listened to me the first time.” LOL  What a girl.

What can I say about Holden?!  Oh yeah, first of all, he’s walking EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME!  It’s precious to see that wobbly walk from one end of the house to the other, but I can guarantee you he won’t be wobbly for long.  He’s getting good.

Holden~~~

Adventurous, loves to climb on anything.  Lover of his stuffed bunny at nap and bedtime.  Screeches when he’s frustrated, but consoled quite easily . . . most of the time.  Snuggles when he’s hurt or tired.  Great belly laugh that can’t help but make you smile.  Initiator of silly games.  Very social, but will certainly check you out (quite seriously) if he’s not absolutely sure.  Warms up quickly.  LOVES his bottle, this might be a problem. LOL  Goes to sleep with almost no effort on our part.  Gives sweet kisses and gentle pats on the back.  Loves playing Pat-a-Cake.  Water is his best friend . . . the pool, the water table, the bathtub, any faucet with running water - makes him squeal with delight.  Favorite toys are things that open and close.  Great at pretending, especially with play food and utensils.  Excellent car rider.  Quietly plays in his crib when he wakes up.  Super smiley in the morning.  Tires easily . . . probably because he’s on the move so much.  Loves his big sister, but will certainly let her know when she takes something that he wants. Loving table food and if he sees us eating anything, he wants to try it too.  He can bang toys, sticks and blocks louder than anyone I know.  Huge smiles result in being thrown in the air, spun around and swinging.  If stairs are anywhere in sight, he motors to them as fast as he can, so he can climb, climb, climb.  Will look at you with those big blue eyes while saying “Owww” and proceed to pinch your arm - turkey!!  LOL  Saying lots of words and having long conversations of jargon that I just love.  Will pull out any plug that he can get his hands on and is fascinated by every single electrical outlet in the house, as well as any cables or cords.  Will spend 30 minutes crawling up and down out of a child’s chair. Throws toys recklessly over his head, one after the other, so you better watch out!  Loves to be carried. Tries extremely hard to sing when anyone else is - sounds hilarious-Brad said he sounds like Frankenstein. LOL  Think he might be able to yodel.  When he gets hurt, he makes a perfect “O” with his lips and says in a very high pitched and exceptionally sad voice, “Ohhhhhh.”  Seriously breaks your heart.  Entertains himself really well.  Sensitive. Caring. Silly. Sweet. Calm. Fast. Brave. One. Completed our family in a way we never thought possible.  Amazing, wonderful Holden - we love you to the moon and back!!

Here are a few recent pictures of the little guy!

See ya’ later!!

Wow, one whole year!  We all can’t believe it.  Can’t believe we survived! LOL  I’m not gonna’ lie, it was an extremely rough start (making me question my sanity 100s of times), but everything worked out and our life couldn’t be more complete with our wonderful little man.  His calm disposition, great sense of humor, adventurous qualities and his winning smile all make our hearts melt and know that he is the perfect fit for our family.  I can hardly wait to see that sweet smile in the morning and I adore the rocking before bedtime when he’s sooo funny and punchy because he’s so tired.  He’s become quite the snuggle bug that I secretly hoped he would become.  I’m his go-to person when he’s in distress and yes, I love that!

Kasen is still head over heals in love with him.  I love to see Brad’s face light up when he comes home from work, Holden rounds the corner, crawling as fast as he can, saying “Da-yeeee, Da-yeeee, Da-yeeee.”  And now he’s walking around the corner, slowly, but further and further each day.  I have to laugh when he crawls up in his chair and now tells me, “Down, Down,” before the words can leave my mouth.  However; now he says “Geeeeet Down” while motioning his finger to the floor - cracks us all up every.single.time.

One year ago today, we met you for the first time Holden - what an exciting, fun adventure that we will never forget.  What a precious gift you are and we are forever grateful to your birth mom for making such a selfless decision.  Every day we feel blessed and honored to have been chosen to raise you and we couldn’t be more grateful.

We love you little man.  ONE YEAR - WOW!!!!  We can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.

Kasen and Brad meeting Holden for the first time.

I’ll be back to show more pictures of Holden - then and now.

See ya’ later!!

I hope that all of the fathers, and fathers-to-be had a GREAT Father’s Day!

This picture was taken a few days ago of my two guys, Brad and Holden.  Notice that scratch on Holden’s face, he always has at least one or two.  He’s crazy adventurous, and with that, comes many bumps and bruises.

I’ll have to add a pic of Kasen with her Daddy later.  It’s kind of hard to get Father’s Day pics, when the Daddy is out of town.  We sure miss him, but we still had fun with the grandparents.  Playing in the pool is always a great way to beat the heat.  And man was it hot . . . . . even worse to wake up at 2:00 a.m. this morning and realize that the air conditioner had quit working.  Thankfully we have two units, so I kept one unit pretty cool, so the other rooms wouldn’t get too overbearing.  Thank goodness for Brad’s Dad, he fixed it for us and saved us from having to call somebody out.  Here it is Father’s Day, Brad is out having fun with the guys, and his Dad is fixing our air conditioner and working on our filters.  Doesn’t seem right does it?! LOL  Guess we’ll have to take him out for a special dinner when Brad returns.

Even though I dogged on Brad *just a little*  , he is the BEST Dad . . . . really.  It’s noticeable every day, but sooo much so when’s gone, because he is so helpful with the kids.  It’s quite hard to juggle them when I’m on my own.  My Mom’s here right now and that helps, but there’s just nothing like Daddy reading them stories and putting them to bed.  Oh yeah, and the cooking.  I sure miss the cooking.  I’ll admit, we’ve eaten out a lot already and the pizza guy knows us quite well.  It won’t be too long before they’ll be eating home cooked meals again . . . . . I’m counting the days for that . . . . . .and so are they!  LOL

See ya’ later!!

You know summer’s here when we’re in the pool all weekend!  Kasen is just a fish.  She can hold her breath way longer than I can. She loves to do somersaults frontwards and backwards.  I’ve watched her swim the entire length of the pool . . . several times.  Diving to the bottom of the pool to pick up toys is effortless for her.  She loves jumping in and making a big splash.  Her energy is never ending when she’s in the water, it’s quite amazing.

Here’s our serious swimmer.

See ya’ later!

I’m baaaaaccckkkkkk . . . in case you missed me! LOL   We took a road trip during Memorial  Day Weekend to see my family in Iowa, and we just returned on Monday.  It was a LONG drive . . . especially with two littles.  Whew!  I’ll definitely need a year to recover to try again I think.  The whole family drove up together, Brad flew back after just a couple of days, and we snagged my Mom and brought her home with us.  The kids did great on the drive there and the drive back, I was pleasantly surprised.  It was a hard trip, but they were both troopers.  It helped that we had lots of things for them to do, lots of snacks and we *tried* to have unlimited patience . . . . . . “tried” is the key word! LOL  Kasen could not have had more fun with her cousins, and Holden had quite the time as well.  It was the first time that everybody had met Holden except for my nephew Lucas, and of course, my Mom.  They were as smitten with him as he was with them.  He definitely fits right in!

Everybody was so great and I was able to take LOTS of pictures, which I will share later on!  I’ve been crashing early since we got back home since I haven’t been feeling well.  Brad and Kasen were sick on the way there, and they were kind enough to pass it on to Holden and me!  Mom was getting sick before we got there and now she’s a little under the weather too.  It won’t be long before we’re all running at full speed again!

Here’s one picture until I can post more!  Here are my beautiful nieces, two of which will be graduating from high school next year.  It just shocks me.  And my youngest niece is thirteen (the one in the middle).  Where has the time gone?  They have always been beautiful young girls, but now they are gorgeous young women.  What a great family I have!

See ya’ later!!