Happy Birthday, Kiley!!!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful friend, Kiley!  Who would have thought that the new girl in American Studies my junior year of high school would become one of my best friends.  We have shared many wonderful times together-trips to Fargo to see our then boyfriends now husbands, Burger King, proms, graduation, going to college, the birth of my two boys (which she even flew down to Texas to help us just days after Brody was born.  I'm still sad we weren't able to go shopping to St. Cloud the day Hunter was born), our weddings, discovering a town named after us (you can see the bright lights of Kianel on I-94 between mile markers 33 &34) and so many more.  Kiley is the type of friend who will be there for you no matter what.  She will always be there to listen to you when you need someone to talk to.  She knows exactly what to say no matter what you're facing in life.  She has a heart like no other.  And best of all, she is so much fun to be around.

So, Happy 25th Birthday Kiley!  I can't believe that you're a quarter of a century old.  Thanks for always being there for me and I can't wait to see what the next 25 years hold for you!!  Love you Ki, Ki! 

 Seriously, how could you not be friends with a person who looks this cool?

Third of July

We had a weekend full of festivities.  On the third of July we headed of to my friend Kiley's house.  We had a great time playing in the lake, watching fireworks, and hanging out with friends.

 Hunter, Liam and Brody playing in the lake.

 Doug getting the fireworks prepped.

Amazing fireworks!!  We were right under them.  Brody was terrified, but Hunter loved them.  I think if he would have had it his way, he would have been lighting the fuses.  Brody and I ended up watching most of the fireworks from inside, but still were able to have a great time.

Last Day of Preschool

 It's hard to believe that the school year is over and Hunter has completed a year of preschool.  Today, his class had one last program to show us more songs that they had learned.  As always, they sounded great and the songs are always fun to listen too.

 During the program, we had intermission.  Hunter was in charge of selling popcorn.  Other students were in charge of selling us tickets, putting stamps on our hands and handing out programs.  The last group of students were in charge of handing out straws, spoons and napkins for root beer floats.

 He is proud that he completed his first year of preschool.  We have decided to wait to send him to kindergarten so he will be going again next year which he is thrilled about because he loves his teachers.

 Speaking of teachers, the preschool staff was amazing.  Here is Hunter with his aide, Mrs. Sievert.  She is amazing and I feel as if her work goes unrecognized.  She is constantly helping and during programs is getting the next thing prepared to keep things running smoothly.  She told me that Hunter gives great hugs and gets them often from him.  It is so nice to know that he is loved and not just another student.

 Hunter's teacher was Mrs. Roste.  She is so good at what she does.  I am a little sad that this picture is a little fuzzy, but that's what happens when you have a little boy who is almost two wiggling in your arms.  Mrs. Roste makes learning fun.  I don't know where she gets her energy to keep up with two sections of 18 preschoolers.  I am sure she sleeps well at night.  She has always been so patient and kind to Hunter and I am so impressed with how much she has taught him this past year.  I am thrilled to be able to have Hunter go to Zion for one more year especially when they have such a great preschool staff and know that he is in great hands while learning and having fun.

 Hunter met some great friends while at school.  Here is a picture of he and his friend Dylan after the program/intermission/parade/awards/root beer floats.  They had fun playing in the gym.

This is Hunter's other friend Gabe.  We are sad that both Gabe and Dylan will both be moving on to kindergarten next year, but know that we have made great friendships and that there will be many play dates this summer and hopefully in the years to come. 

It is a bittersweet day for me.  It is a reminder that my little boy is growing up and there is nothing I can do to change it.  But so exciting to see what is to come in the future.  I have no idea what we will be doing Tuesdays and Thursdays now, but excited to have that extra time with the boys because as Mrs. Roste said today, "Enjoy this age because they won't stay little for long."  So true and I realized that every day.  I'm excited though that our Tuesdays and Thursdays will be open so we can go to the cities if we want, or head to Iowa to check out some wind turbines, or go on vacation.  I am sad because we said good-bye to a lot of friends today.  But happy because there are friendships that will last and new ones to be made.  I wish Hunter and Brody could stay little forever.  I love them and not sure how I will ever be able to let them go when the day comes.  But yet, I'm excited to see who they will become and what dreams they will chase.

Sad day on Seventh Street

Today for us, it was a sad day on Seventh Street. Our neighbors across the street moved out of their house. While we are excited to see who will be moving in and for them to enjoy a new home, we are more sad to see the people we have gotten to know so well and become friends with move out. Thankfully they will still be in the area, but it is still hard.
They have a 5 year old boy who Hunter has gotten along with so well and they have developed such a great friendship. He also loved playing with their older daughter who is 8, and I think if you caught Hunter on the right moment, he will admit he liked playing with their 2.5 year old daughter even though they didn't always see eye to eye. Last summer, there was hardly a day when the two boys didn't play together. They were inseparable. They were the kind of neighbors that you could borrow a cup of sugar from, you could trust to send your kids over to their home without having to worry, someone you know would help if you got in a pinch. And the funny thing is, it's not just a saying. We made all of those examples come true.
We have known for over a month that they were moving, but it doesn't sink in until you watch your son hang his head and shed a few tears as he watches the moving truck pull away from the driveway with all of their belongings. I must admit, tears have been shed on my end too. But he has assured me that even though his friend is moving, he knows that they will be friends forever. I really do hope that this is true and that over the years, we continue to get the kids together-their two daughters and son and our two boys. It will be weird not having them around almost everyday. And to see someone else enter their home this weekend. I will miss the chats with their older daughter and the random doorbell rings from their youngest.
Today, Hunter was watching out the window and the new owners were there for the final walk through. He came running to me and said "Mom! Someone is at ***'s house! I think it's robbers! We better go get them!" I explained to him that no, they're not robbers. They are our new neighbors.
As I post, they are arriving and starting to unload their trailer. I know they cannot replace the friendship we have made with the previous family who has lived there, but I do hope they have a kid that Hunter and Brody can be friends with. I hope that they are nice.
Even though it is exciting, it is still a sad day on Seventh Street.

Our trip to South America

That's right...we went to South America for Hunter's spring break! And let me tell you-it was amazing!

Ok, just kidding. We didn't actually go there. In January, Hunter's cousin went to Walt Disney World. Hunter didn't understand why he couldn't go with. Devastated. Tears. Ok, more like sobs. But, we told him that we would make it up to him. If their spring breaks lined up, we would go to Mall of America and go on the rides and to Rainforest Cafe for lunch.

The next day at church, Hunter ran over to his great-aunt and was so excited to tell her the big news-"My mom is taking me to South America!" She looked shocked! I think she thought that I was taking Hunter on the next church mission trip to Ecuador. We then clarified that we were going to Mall of America...not South America. However, Hunter kept referring to it as South America and the name kind of stuck.

Last week, we ventured down the cities. We went down on Tuesday afternoon, spent time with Heidi, Jason, and Henry and on Wednesday we got ready to go to South America...I mean, Mall of America.

Hunter was so excited. He even told me he would wake up at 7 o'clock so we could make it there in time. This is coming from a little boy who usually likes to sleep in until 8:00-9:00.
We arrived at the mall around 9:30-9:45 AM and got front row parking. It pays to get there early! The mall and the rides didn't open til 10, but thankfully Lego land had the Legos out and the boys got busy building. 10 o'clock rolled around and we bought our wristbands and hit the rides! Hunter told us he wanted to go on all the scary rides-the scarier the better. I didn't believe him. I thought he was hyping himself up. But I was wrong.

Brody having fun at Lego Land!

We rode rides until a little after 11, heading over to the Rainforest Cafe, had a great lunch and then Hunter hit up the rides again.

Melissa and Hunter at Rainforest Cafe...it kind of looks like South America, right?

We tried a couple of rides with Brody, but he was not a fan. Poor kid. The things we try to make him do. At 5 o'clock...yes, we were there all day!...we decided it was best to hit the road and head home. After a day at MOA, Hunter's biggest accomplishments were riding one of the big roller coasters and the log chute not once...not twice....but three times! It was his favorite ride!

Brody's first ride-he was terrified!

Brody's last ride before we left....still terrified.

Hunter liked the carousel. He even tried to hold Brody's hand.

We had a great time there with great people and hope one day to make it back to South America. ;)

Life is Precious.

I feel like life is something we take for granted. Something we feel like we deserve. And when do we ever take the time to stop, look around us, and realize how lucky and fortunate we really are. Not too often.
Yesterday I went to a funeral for a 4 month old (son of a friend from elementary school). A little boy who had so much ahead of him. He had just had his 4 month check-up last Tuesday and they told his parents he was healthy. Friday morning he was no longer here on Earth because of SIDS.
I can't imagine the pain his parents are feeling right now, nor do I wish I could. I am sure they have so many questions that will never be answered during our time here on Earth.
While waiting for the service to start, I glanced around the sanctuary seeing if I knew anyone. But, something caught my eye. I watched as his parents said their final good-byes before the funeral director closed his casket in order for the funeral to start. I saw them embrace each other, clinging to the memories they had and the fear of how to face the days and years to come. My heart sank and I could feel a tightness in my throat and tears welling up in my eyes. I quickly looked away, but I couldn't help but to cry not only for them, but for all parents who have had to endure such pain. I thought about myself. What would I do without my boys? I have no clue. My life would feel empty. Incomplete. Unfair.
Today is also the one year anniversary that a dear friend of mine lost her mother. Her mom was an amazing person. She literally lit up the room with her smile and laughter whenever she entered. She took the time to get to know me and was a friend to me. I know she is missed daily, but especially today. My heart aches for my friend and her sisters today. I can't imagine not having my mom. We've had our ups and downs, but without her, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be the person I am today. I love my mom with all my heart and feel so blessed to have her here today.
It's sad that it takes such tragedy to make us stop and think of how lucky we really are. I have two boys who are healthy, fun, loving, great personalities and even though there are some days where I feel like I'm living in a zoo and just want to escape for a little bit or scream, I wouldn't change it. I have a husband who loves me unconditionally for who I am through the good and the bad (I sometimes still wonder what he sees in me and question how I got so lucky). Not only is he my husband, but he has become my best friend over the years. Someone I can trust everything with. I have a family who supports me and is there for me through thick and thin. Who will listen to me whenever I need someone to talk to. Who will help with the boys if I need to run an errand or just need a night out with friends. I have friends who choose to like me (yep, I wonder about them too). Friends who allow me to have fun, but let me be serious and have heartfelt conversations. Friends who will listen to me vent about the little things in life that build up over time.
I am so lucky and blessed. Having people in my life who care about me and love me for who I am is the greatest thing I could ever ask for. Life is precious. We take it for granted. But take the time to look around and realize all that you have going for you. Some days it may be hard to see because there are dark days that block it, but if you look really hard, you will find it.

Why do we live here??!!

Oh my gosh is it ever cold out there! The kind of cold where it is almost hard to breathe outside. Yesterday when I took Hunter to school, I put on the full winter armor on both of the boys-jackets, snowpants, boots, hat, mittens. Do you know how long that takes when you're doing it by yourself and your 18 month old has learned to bite off one mitten as you're putting on the other? As of right now, 10:30 AM it is -12 but feels like -32. BRRR! I don't even want to know how cold it was at the crack of dawn. This winter, with all the snow and now the frigid temperatures I have been frequently asking myself, why do we live here?
I mean, we used to live less than 10 blocks from the Gulf of Mexico! Warm temperatures this time of year. Nice tan. Go to the beach (one of my childhood dreams was to live near the ocean. Who knew that would become a reality). Go to the pool. We could even go for a walk this time of year outside. Can you tell I'm missing TX right about now?
But, then I remember how hard it was being so far away from all of our loved ones. Our support system. Our family and friends. The people who mean the most to us. And it is very clear to me as to why we live here. And really, if I were to become a resident of TX, I think I would miss the seasons. I can't imagine a winter without snow. I can't imagine looking at palm trees vs. the beautiful fall colors. There is so much that I would miss. This is home.
So, even with all the complaining I may do about the weather, I am really happy that we live where we do.

MIA

No, I have not forgotten about my blog. Although, at times it feels like it. I feel as if life has been going 100mph and there is no slowing down. I promise, I will be back soon and update you on all of life's crazy events. But for now, I'm going to go and get ready to head out with some friends for the night!

Happy Birthday, Hazel Bear

Last night, as we counted down for the New Year, I could see the excitement in Hunter's face. (Yes, he made it all the way to midnight! And Brody woke up just in time for the new year too.) The way he yelled "10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1! Happy New Year!" It was exciting to see it. After giving Craig a New Year's kiss and hugging the boys tight, I instantly felt my heart drop into my stomach. It has sat there the remainder of the day. I knew what this day meant for some dear friends of ours.

A year ago today, Hazel Marie was brought into this world. A beautiful baby girl. I will never forget being woken up by a text message from her mom saying that Hazel had arrived with all of her stats. I was so excited and woke Craig up saying "Ryan and Angie had their baby!" I was so excited! Finally, friends of ours had a baby.

Two days later, after looking at Facebook, I found out something was wrong with her. They airlifted her to St. Mary's Mayo in Rochester. How could this be? She was healthy, right? But if she is, then why are they bringing her there? We later learned that Hazel had a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD-did you know 1 in 100 babies are born with heart defects?) known as HypoPlastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).

I watched her journey unfold as her parents left journal entries daily on her Caring Bridge site. I remember checking the site multiple times a day seeing the latest news. Hunter would always come and check on me to see how baby Hazel was doing. We prayed for her so many times each day that God's will be done in her life, that God would be with her parents and family. I continue to pray for that family every single day. Hunter still asks about Baby Hazel and has so many questions as to why her. Questions I can't answer and it's hard to explain. But we know that she is safe, loved and in the best care anyone could possibly have.

God had big plans for this little girl. A girl I wish I could have met, but know I will one day in heaven. A girl that only lived 13 short days, but made an impact on so many people across the country. I can honestly say that because of her, I appreciate life so much more. I cherish every moment with my children because we don't know what God has in store for us. We assume we are going to live long healthy lives, we'll get old and pass on. But that is not always the case and it is so painful watching people who are so deserving of a baby get their dreams taken away in an instant.

In memory of Hazel Bear (the nickname her daddy gave her in the hospital), who would be one year old today, I wore my t-shirt from a walk with her footprints on it for an organization called It's My Heart in her memory. I know, nothing amazing, but I wanted to be reminded of a little girl who has changed the lives of so many in just a year. I have shed tears for her today and for her family. I even dreamed about her and her parents last night and woke up in tears. I know this isn't easy for them. Everytime the calendar flips to a new year they will be reminded of what they should have. It breaks my heart to watch them in pain. Their hearts ache. It is a reminder of how blessed so many of us are but forget to take the time to acknowledge it. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to look around and see what is important to us.

So, Happy Birthday, Hazel Bear. I know you are celebrating with Jesus in heaven. Your mommy and daddy miss you so much and love you more than you'll ever know-along with many other people. Thank you for making a lasting imprint in my life. I will never forget you and will share your story every chance I get.