two of a kind, working on a full house

going home.

2011-01-19T21:55:00.003-06:00

my grandad went home on monday, january 17th. right now, i can only imagine the pure bliss he is experiencing. though, my heart hurts now i will rejoice with him later. i suppose he is holding my baby brother's hand (who this year would have been 22!!!), walking on the streets of gold, splashing in the crystal sea, and in awe of the LORD.

you know, when i first 'denyed myself to take up the cross of Jesus' i truly believed that heaven was going to be boring. like one long, huge church service....blech. well, it's not like that at all. we all are going to have jobs to do, we're going to have feasts, travel....yes of course we'll still worship God, but there will be some more to it than that. losing someone hurts, but we have hope and reassurance that we will see our loved ones again. very soon.

"life is but a vapor, here one day and gone the next...."

happy birf-day

2011-01-14T15:44:00.009-06:00

to our daddy/husband/provider.....happy #37. as readan would say: "happy birf-day dad!" as dallas would say: "yay! happy cake dad, happy cake!!" and as kenna would say: "NO!"

life has taken us on a whirlwind babe. we met in december 2006, started dating in march 2007, engaged in june, married in august, pregnant in september. baby dallas was born in may 2008, pregnant again in october and kenna was here in july 2009. heck yah it has been hard, but we're stronger now because of it. here are 37 reasons i would do it all over again:

-you go to work monday-friday providing for our family

-and never complain that you're tired

-you love jesus

-you're one heck of a daddy

-we laugh together...constantly

-you can still give me butterflies

-i've never seen a hotter man in carhart coveralls

-when baby d was a newborn you got to him in the wee hours before i even heard him.

-your fabulous buttermilk pancakes every saturday

-you sing the veggie tales "oh, where is my hairbrush!!??" in the mornings to make the kids laugh
-you're super s-m-r-t, for realz....a masters degree with possibility of phd? whoa.

-you won't kill a spider, you contain and release

-you can sing really good, but keep it a secret
-women hit on you all the time and you're oblivious to it

-you don't mind my gray hair, in fact you said "woman, i didn't marry your hair."

-you don't mind changing dirty diapers

-you saved scout from being put to sleep

-you will eat anything i make, even if it's burnt and tell me (as your choking it down with water) that it's good

-you're humble

-you took me to the fanciest place so we could 'build' my engagement ring together...{sign}

-you forgot condoms on our honeymoon and we tried to explain to the gift store attendee what they were with body language and we laughed until we cried
-i secretely know how goofy you can be and love you more because of it

-you listen to johnny cash with me, and sing along

-you have sacraficed for me. when we got married you had $20,000 in the bank and now we're just trying to make it until i graduate nursing school

-you have allowed me to be home with our children during the most crucial time in their lives,

thank you from the depths of my soul
-i've never had an issue with you leaving the toilet seat up, never

-you never got mad at me when you've had to "recycle" a shirt for work b/c i was too sick to do laundry

-when you come home from work, you never require a break.

-dallas wakes you up every morning at 5am and you get up with him and get his breakfast ready

-you volunteer your time/skillz/smartz to those in need (future africa project)

-you have a love affair with allen edmond shoes, pretty sure you have more than i do

-you could have made major league in baseball if you'd tried

-makenna has you wrapped around her little pinky and you deny it......hilarious

-lately, you have become a mechanic to save our van. your goal? 200,000 miles

-you're a history buff, even though i dislike history....it's hot to hear it from you

-you turn your head when a VS commercial comes on, very respectful

-you knew who i was and the situation you were getting into and still married me.

bordem busters

2011-01-10T14:40:00.006-06:00

okay, so the snow day was fun for a bit. what happens when they get "over the snow." instead of plopping them down in front of the tv, we did science projects.

you'll need:

-food coloring

-glasses with water

-an empty bowl

-snow

-eye dropper

this is awesome for bringing out some artistry in the little ones. this next pic is a cat, can't you tell?!?

and our indoor snowman b/c the snow was too dry outside

not only did readan have fun, she learned. she learned that red and yellow makes orange, yellow and green makes blue, etc. and she learned that snow is a liquid and that it's made out of water. another fun project is snow cream.

snow day

2011-01-10T13:36:00.003-06:00

readan asked jesus for a snow day last night, and guess what? He came through. we woke up to everything covered in white, and no school. so, like any awesome mom would do, we filled our tummy with "sticky food" (also known as: oatmeal), got suited up, and 45 minutes later (yes...it took me 45 minutes to get all 3 kids and myself in long underwares, snow pants, coat, mittens, boots) we were digging/sliding/eating in the snow.

i just love this picture of dallas, and look how grown up readan looks. oh my.

sadest part of the morning, makenna HATED the snow. she also hates grass, sand, and gravel. leave her on the carpet and she's good. this is no joke: we bought a 2'x2' sample piece of carpet from walmart and it goes where she goes...even library time b/c she doesn't like the carpet in the library. can someone say ocd?

ghana wash some feet.

2011-01-08T21:14:00.005-06:00

{nyhus children in ghana}

our dear friends greg and wendy nyhus are currently serving in ghana as missionaries. they are amazing and that glory goes to the Lord. kevin and i are praying about the opportunity to travel there this summer with our church and what a great experience that would be with my nursing skillz, oh and his skillz too. he designs water mains, sewer, and storm water stuff....eh, er..."projects." (sorry babe, you know what i mean) and he would be a superstar in helping to build/design sanitary facilities, running water, etc to the villiages. even Christ himself ministered to people's basic needs before their spiritual needs could be met. what better way to show Christ's love than to minister to the sick and earn the right to share the need for a Redeemer. i am praying that this year will be the right time for us to visit, but if not we will make a visit in 2012. i feel a calling for far more than med-surge floors.

art + walls = the naughty spot.

2011-01-06T16:49:00.006-06:00

sooooo, this is what happens when i decide to go upstairs and steam my bathroom tile.

dallas says, "ta-dahhhhh!" "oh, my. dallas. that is lovely. and looky there....its a non-washable marker."

and here he is happily sitting in the naughty spot. fyi: my kids hate wearing pants. i think they slow them down. looks like kevin will be busy painting this weekend.....

citizen award.

2011-01-04T18:37:00.004-06:00

not suprisingly, readan came home with the citizen award for the week. we are so very proud of her, but really...it's not suprising. this is the kid who plays with the kid nobody likes. she eats with the kid that smells funny, or "has puffy hair" or who peed in their pants last week. she shares her afternoon snack with the kid who doesn't have one. she thanks people and then thanks them again for saying 'you're welcome.' watch out mother teresa, you've got competition.

we went out for ice cream to celebrate her 'good citizenship.' way to go read, you rock.

we finally got to stick someone!

2011-01-04T13:43:00.005-06:00

so i've made it 1/2 way through nursing school, just one year left to go. up until now we've been doing cna work (aka: cleaning up body fluids and changing linens), documenting, and maybe giving some oral meds. this is the point where we lost most of our classmates- they dropped the program believing this is what nursing was. well for those who saw the light at the end of the tunnel....we finally got to do this:

here i am getting ready to stick my classmate, very appropriate face indeed

another classmate starting an IV....yes, I think you hit the vein

and lucky me, i got to start another one on our instructor. she's a gem.

....this is us being sad from our battle wounds....

i loved our group from our ob rotation; very sad that we won't be together this next semester. i really loved ob, and in the beginning i knew it was for me. but after actually witnessing all the interventions and impatience i've decided that i don't want ob. i would rather see babies brought into the world like it was meant to be. (not including scenarios where medical interventions are needed to save baby/momma's life) so for now, i'm sticking with either the operating room....{where this duck feels at home in the water} or hospice {where i can tell dying people about the grace of Jesus}.

no video machines.

2011-01-02T20:13:00.005-06:00

milestone #367 for readan: her first sleepover at a friends house. up until now, i've been the 'over-protective-no-you-can't-spend-the-night-at-a-friends-house-they-come-here-mom.' no big deal, right? we packed up her beloved pillow pet (which she can proudly recite the entire infomercial by heart..."it's the perfect $20 gift, mom"), barbie blanket, toothbrush, night gown, slippers and off she goes. readan did fine that night. (we have a rule in our home that anytime a friend spends the night on saturday, they have to go to church with us on sunday) said friend knows our rule quite well and even though readan spent the night over there, she still wanted to come to church with our family. so after church we take the friend home and readan proceeds to tell me all about this machine that plays games on the tv, "it's the best thing ever mom!!" "well, readan what is it?" ~friend speaks up at this point~ "oh, it's my wii." readan asks, "mom, can we please get a wii????" "ummmm, no."

{kevin and i decided when we had children that we would not be buying any sort of video game machine. we want our children to know what it's like to run outside and play with sticks, dirt, and how to climb a tree. don't get me wrong, we don'd judge. m'kay? this is our choice, our decision. we understand that we can't 100% control what she plays at a friends house. she's not being sheltered and it's our hopes that they eventually get to the point when they don't feel like they're missing out. i personally feel like video games are addicting, and really...what good does it do a child?}

so this is our precious daughter, crying. crying because she can't have a wii.

yes readan, we are the 'unreasonable-we-care-about-your-brain-developing-right-you-need-to-play-outside-instead' parents. i'm sorry. you don't have to like it, but you'll thank us later. ♥ we love you.

gogurt anyone?

2010-12-31T15:02:00.006-06:00

so dallas has an obsession with gogurt. you know, the yogurt in a tube. blech. my great grandmother would be absolutely horrifed of yogurt in a tube, saying "what have we come to?" but, i must say that since this kid will not eat anything other than cheese, fruit, and peas then i feel i must cave. calcium right?

photo credit

so this is what i find at 4 o'clock in the morning (yes, he still wears a diaper at night...it's a security thing). and that is him, he is sneaking into the fridge at 4 am people. the kid loves gogurt.

goodbye, 2010.

2010-12-31T09:34:00.008-06:00

2010 included:

-starting my 2 year endeavor into nursing school

-kevin's 36th birthday, my 26th, kenna's 1st, readan's 6th, dallas' 2nd

-readan losing her 1st tooth

-makenna started walking

-dallas was potty trained

-kindergarten

-we paid off both of our 2005 vehicles....what a relief

-kevin still working for the city, despite layoff's. thank you jesus

-dallas had his eye surgery, huge success

-ginger met the love of her life

-we replaced every appliance in our house. seriously

-i have made it through my 1st year of nursing school....straight 'b' student. what? i've got 3 kids here! they are my priority

-readan prayed to accept jesus christ as her savior

-the Lord has proven faithful to us in 2010, even through heartache

{one year later}

2010-12-29T23:55:00.006-06:00

exactly one year ago today i stopped blogging. how sad, right? nursing school full time + 3 little people running around = no time to blog. but, i'm happy to announce that 'i'm back.'

i love to read all the other mommy blogs, how they capture their children's day to day moments and then PRINT THEM OUT.....geesh....that's better than a darn scrapbook (which i no longer have the time for).

Dallas 18 months

2009-12-29T21:11:00.004-06:00

makenna 5 months

2009-12-21T13:51:00.005-06:00

never give up

2009-12-19T17:57:00.003-06:00

Watching your child fail is one of the hardest things to watch as a parent. Despite 3 months of preparation for her Winters Classic gymnastics meet and an hour warm up this morning, the outcome was grim. Needless to say, the minute Readan saw the judges and her name was announced over the HUGE mega-speakers she completely fell apart. I have never seen her fall on the vault (see video below) and it was just so sad to watch. Literally two minutes before this video was shot, she completed 3 PERFECT vaults!!!

With tears streaming down her face, I picked her up and carried her over to the side. Between sobs, "Please mommy, I just want to go home!!! Take me home!!" As much as I wanted to scoop her up and take her home, I knew this is something she was going to remember for a long time. She was hurt (she bent her toe). She was angry. She was embarrassed.

I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Readan, you fell. It's okay. You're going to try again and if you fall, it's okay. I'm proud of you for trying!"

And, yes, she fell again. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to watch.

After the meet was over I taught her the word 'determination.' "When you fell and got back up to try again....that was determination." It wasn't all sad though, she still got a ribbon and a really shiny trophy!!! They called her name, she ran up to the podium and claimed her prize. Her face lit the entire gym. This was the highlight for me....

Readan and I both learned a very important lesson today....never give up!

all dressed up

2009-12-17T21:53:00.004-06:00

"Mommy, can I wear your pearls?"

I heard these quiet words pierce my ears and as I peered down, I saw my little 5-year old daughter. Her eyes glowing in hopes I'd stay yes. How can I say no?

We head up to my bedroom and as I open my jewelry box I hear her giggle with glee....I take out the pearl necklace that was given to me on my wedding day. As I put the pearls around Readan's neck and close the clasp my eyes start to well up with tears. With no more room, they begin to overflow down my cheeks. I forgot how warm and salty tears are. Readan says, "What's wrong Mommy?" "Oh nothing baby....you're just growing up really fast." And she answers, "I know Mommy, it's because you make me eat carrots."

It's moments like these that are priceless. Through all the hard work and self sacrifice that motherhood IS, it also offers moments like these.

christmas party

2009-12-17T21:37:00.004-06:00

Readan had her Christmas party at school, it turned out really fun. A big thank you to all the parents who turned out to help! We decorated christmas cookies, played christmas bingo, and had a book exchange (we played the 'hot potato' game to do the book exchange).

singing christmas songs during circle time

book that readan got during the book exchange

oops, ran out of icing....wonder where it went??

decorating cookies

yum!!

baby legs

2009-12-11T15:55:00.003-06:00

My newest favorite thing, baby legs. These are so great! My number one rave for these is the prevention of rug burn on little knees. Dallas and Makenna are both scooting around on the carpet all day long and these help so much. Also, Readan likes to wear them with her short sleeve shirts that she just couldn't part when the cold air moved in. Right now we have 12 pair. A must have!

hello santa

2009-12-11T09:29:00.003-06:00

It was the first time to visit Santa for Makenna and Dallas. Readan really didn't want to go because she doesn't think "he's real." (SHhhh)

Dallas screamed and Makenna had no idea what was going on.....LOVE this picture! It meets us exactly where we are. :)

gettin' organized

2009-12-08T08:34:00.003-06:00

Having a 19 month old and a 5 month old takes a lot of stuff! We moved Readan downstairs and with all the extra room, I feel like I'm finally getting organized. This January my nursing class begin and, honestly, I feel like I'm nesting all over again. Getting the house organized makes me feel so much better!

deck the halls

2009-12-03T13:17:00.004-06:00

I found this rather creative way to hang our stockings. Yet, another perk of having a big family- lots of cute stockings!!!

Our tree is up!

kena's first ponytail

2009-11-27T06:20:00.001-06:00

cute, huh??

readan's new room

2009-11-27T06:01:00.003-06:00

I finally finished Readan's new room!! I have been working on this since she left two weeks ago...cannot wait to see her face! I got most of the ideas from potterybarn kids (barbie room), such amazing room ideas there.

Some of the stuff we chose not to spend tons of money on, so I made one similar. For instance, the canopy was over $75 at pottery barn and I made one for $11! A 16 inch hot pink embroidery loop, some ribbon, and 1/2 price tulle at the fabric store, GO me!! The pictures were going to be $125, but I cleverly printed off some from the net and got some cute frames from Target...only $28. :)

I got this HUGE chalkboard from craigslist for $15! She will have so much fun with this.

Very proud of my handmade canopy

When organizing barbies, I highly recommend an over the door shoe organizer. We tried the "Barbie" organizer similar to this, but the slots were not big enough.

I will try to snap a photo of her face when she see's it! Can't wait to go and get her today...

miss my firstborn...

2009-11-23T20:26:00.002-06:00

Readan has been gone for nearly two weeks and I miss her dearly! Kevin keeps asking me what's wrong because of my crabby mood...only 4 more days until we get her back!! Although I'm sure she is having fun with Daddy Aaron. ;)

And something funny that I figured out, Readan's perspective of our "ever-expanding" family is that it's "Me, Mom, and Dad, (us 3) and then we have these other two kids." Seriously funny!

See you soon darling...we all miss you!

-Mommy

Pumpkin smashing at the zoo...

2009-11-07T19:44:00.006-06:00

We went to the zoo this weekend to see all the different animals play and smash pumpkins. The pumpkins were donated by local pumpkin patches. Some of the animals that we saw play with the pumpkins were: meerkats, elephants, sea lions, the river otter, and all the different monkeys. I guess they do this every year after Halloween.

My only regret is not taking my children to the zoo more often and earlier. This was Dallas' first year to the zoo, but we saw LOTS of babies there, and they were actually paying attention!! Makenna really liked the baby monkeys....I can only imagine how good that is for their development.

Makenna 3 months!!

2009-11-05T14:59:00.003-06:00

Makenna is 3 months and getting so big. She rolls over and...seriously...tries to "chat" with us! This may be one of my favorite stages.

Loves her floor gym...

Halloween

2009-11-05T14:35:00.003-06:00

We had such a blast this Halloween with three kids! Readan was a Barbie mermaid, Dallas was a lion, and Makenna was a caterpillar. Though it's hard work, the more the merrier!!

Kevin's sister, Ginger, went with us (such a trooper!). First we went "trunk or treating" at church then headed over to bonfire and made roasted hot dogs and Texas size smores. YUM!

Ginger pushing the double stroller

Caterpillar Season

2009-11-03T13:31:00.004-06:00

So here is our latest science project at the York's household. We caught a fuzzy caterpillar (now is the time to capture them!) and put it in a jar with branches, fresh leaves, and a lid with holes. At the library, we checked out a book on caterpillars and researched how to care for one. They get their water from fresh leaves, not by drinking like we do! We're going to see the caterpillar go into "hibernation" and build its "cocoon" and then in the spring, we get to see it transform into a butterfly! Readan and Dallas' vocabulary is well advanced for their age. :) When our caterpillar forms its cocoon we'll add more pictures!

I Made IT!

2009-11-03T13:26:00.003-06:00

On Monday I received a letter stating that I passed the entrance exam and was being admitted to the Nursing Program at Penn Valley. How exciting!! With only 14 slots for the evening/weekend session, I was worried. I will stay at home with my children during the day and then have class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Clinicals will be on the weekends. Wow, two years is going to fly by!!!

We're planning on building a house when I graduate in Fall of 2011. Readan is tired of sharing a room with Dallas and Makenna so it will be so nice when they can all have their own room.

-Shana

Child Lessons

2009-10-30T20:51:00.004-05:00

I have a weekly schedule: Monday, clean house; Tuesday, library day; Wednesday, errand day and so on...... Well, last Wednesday, I was running all the family errands as usual and needed to run by the bank to cash a check. As a former bank teller, I know the rules of the trade. I did not go to my bank, I just went to the bank that the check originally came from. No problem right? I pulled into the drive thru, sent in my drivers license and the signed check, and told the teller "just cash, please." She rudely chirps out, "Mam....you need to come IN to cash this check since you don't have an account with us." Now, I worked a bank forever and NEVER asked anyone to do this! So I say, "Oh, well I have 3 children and it's hard to get them in and out of the car....can you do it just this one time??" "NO," she says. So here is what I am thinking in my head:

Okay, you ridiculous teeny bopper, who OBVIOUSLY

doesn't have kids!!! Don't even make me mad....not TODAY!

I will write the owner of the BANK and have you fired!!

(I'm a little sarcastic when I'm mad) How dare
you put a rule on me, oh you just wait!!! I am so angry,

I will never..EVER...come to this bank again!

Then I come back to reality....I have four tiny eyes looking at me and two more that can hear me. They wonder...."What's mommy going to do." They watch my every move! Then I remember, how I react in this situation is going to teach them to react in their future situations. So I say to myself.....just show her the love of Christ...He lives in me...I can do it...don't get mad because these precious, tiny children depend on me to teach them how to live and more importantly, how to let Christ live through us.

So I say, "Okay, well thank you. Have a nice day."

And if she never ever sees me again, that's okay. I showed her Christ's love by not getting mad and my children learned a very important lesson that day.

Daddy Aaron

2009-10-06T21:05:00.003-05:00

Readan goes to see Daddy Aaron 1 week a month and always has SO much fun! We always tell Readan how special she is to have 2 daddies!!! Here are just a couple pictures of what they do in Iowa.

This is Readan and the gopher she caught. I love how both her and the gopher are looking at the camera. They have a "special" trick to catch gophers that involves water, a milk jug, and of course....the gopher. :)

State Fair!!

Applefest

2009-10-06T20:57:00.002-05:00

Alright, yes. ANOTHER 'fest' but they're SO much fun!! This was the Applefest in Weston, MO. Another fun packed weekend!

Ciderfest

2009-10-06T20:43:00.003-05:00

So many "Fests!" This was the Ciderfest in Louisberg, KS; and the kids seriously had SO much fun. We learned how apples were 'picked' and learned the term....harvesting. Then we got to see where they go to get washed, peeled, cored, and smashed!! There were tasty apple doughnuts, and cold cider slushies. It's so nice to go on a day trip and not spend a ton of money to have fun. I'm sure we'll be going to back next year.

Readan on the jumbo slide

Yummy apple doughnuts

Munchkin Man

Octoberfest

2009-10-06T20:38:00.003-05:00

We went to Octoberfest a week back and had so much fun. Fall is the best time to get out and really enjoy the outdoors.

Autumn is here!

2009-09-21T15:15:00.007-05:00

I love these pictures! Last year the entire family got out and ventured to the pumpkin patch. It was so much fun! We decided this is going to be a family tradition. Children thrive and maintain a sense of security with long-lasting family traditions. Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn and I can't wait to go back to the pumpkin patch!!

Dallas with his little pumpkin

This farm is amazing! I am looking forward to going back.

Readan found her pumpkin

Grandma and Grandpa York

Nursing School Update

2009-09-14T15:18:00.006-05:00

Good news! I received a letter with my ranking points and I'm doing pretty good. Also, an invitation to take the TEAS (or nursing entrance exam) came in the mail. After I take and pass the entrance exam I still won't know if I've been accepted for another couple weeks. This evening/weekend program is extremely competitive to get into. So far so good! Will continue to keep my blog updated on my status.

the virtuous wife

2009-09-13T21:03:00.005-05:00

There are so many things that I have been struggling with in my life and the biggest one has been laziness. At times I look at my life and it seems unfair. Single mom at 20, mother of 3 at 25 (which isn't a bad thing or a regret...just unexpected!) with little patience. God never promised us a fair life though, how selfish of me to expect it! The dishes need to be done, laundry is piling up, and my living room never stays organized. In these times of my life I turn to the verse James 1:4. "But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." I am a prisoner of Christ and even though I don't want to do what I should (dishes, laundry, being patient and loving with my children) I am called to do it. There is no choice involved. The Lord calls us to be virtuous wives: Proverbs 31:10-31

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “ Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

I will build my household with love so my husband and children will be comforted by it. So if I endure, endurance will do its complete work, so that I will be mature and complete, lacking nothing. May the Lord bless our family, household, and marriage abundantly.

-Shana

Looking forward to winter!

2009-09-13T17:04:00.004-05:00

I am so ready for winter! Yes, I understand that this is mildly ridiculous, but I found these pictures from last winter that I thought were gone. At least this winter I won't be pregnant and won't have to sit on the sidelines. Bring on the snow!!

Cold Baby

Readan loves to catch the snowflakes on her tongue

A+ Dad

Hush little baby...

2009-09-08T20:29:00.006-05:00

Hush little baby, don't say a word. Momma's gonna buy you a mocking bird. I absolutely love that song and sing it quite frequently to lull my children to sleep. Sleeping baby pictures are the greatest.

I watch Makenna sleep because this is the last time I get to watch a baby of my own. Knowing she's my last, I don't mind the sleep deprivation and the self sacrifice that it takes to care for a baby. She's two months old now......wish time would go into slow mode....

Behold, children are a heritage from the
LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a
warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has
his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak
with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

Readan's 5!!!

2009-08-25T22:49:00.006-05:00

Happy birthday Readan! You're 5 now, another year to learn all new things. I miss you being 4, and 3, and 2, and 1. It's exciting and sad at the same time to see your sweet little face turn from baby, to toddler, to child, to little girl.

At 4 you:

Went from saying "fank-you" to "thank you." Wondered how long Dallas was going
to live at our house. Wrote your name all by yourself. Told an old man that
Jesus walked on water, "for real!!" Started to empathize with others. Told a
llama off saying, "You can't eat it all!!"

Readan's Birthday Party:

My favorite memory of you at 4:

You might want to turn the music player off (at the bottom of the page). I couldn't figure out how to rotate the video...

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-25T22:20:00.005-05:00

Happy anniversary to my sweet, sweet husband. Wow, only 2 years? Seems like much longer, but I suppose that happens when there are two babies in 24 months.

I love how you get into your "goofy mode" and how nobody else knows it exists. I love the way you look at me when we're in a crowded room. True love will always endure. We'll make it through these challenging few years and grow closer doing it.

Your face is handsome, but your heart is beautiful.

Love,

Shana

Summer Days

2009-08-24T08:56:00.005-05:00

Going to the park almost everynight has become tradition at our house. The kids get to socialize with other children which sparks some of the most creative, imaginative play I have ever witnessed. The sand becomes a vast sea where Dallas has to save Readan by man-eating sharks. I've even seen the fire pole turn into a tree located in the middle of a jungle.

My new independence

Making sand angels

Loves to hang out on daddy's shoulder

Goodbye to the Dr.

2009-08-17T10:56:00.006-05:00

Goodbye to you, Oh sweet Diet Dr. Pepper. You have controlled my life for 5 years now, and the time has come that we must part. You will no longer have a stronghold over me.

"You shall have no other gods before Me."
Exodus 20:3

So bring on the headaches, the caffeine withdrawals, and the irritability. I'm ready.

And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." "Behold, I give you authority to trample
on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
Luke 10:18-19

-Shana

Readan's Gymnastics

2009-08-13T21:55:00.009-05:00

When we were first looking for an outlet of Readan's energy, we tried soccer. That did not go well. She didn't like the wet grass, she didn't like getting kicked in the shin, she didn't like the ball (?), she didn't like anything about it! It was a struggle to just get her to the field. I actually have a picture of her picking a flower while the kids are chasing the ball one way. Then in the next picture she is running the dandelion to me and the kids are chasing the ball the other way. Kevin and I call tiny tot soccer, "herd ball." After 8 weeks of that (she did kick the ball a couple of times) we called it quits.

Then, we tried gymnastics. What a difference! It's so obvious when a child finds what they enjoy and know they're good at. Now, she's been in gymnastics for 3 years and is doing awesome.

I'm posting a video of Readan doing her routine that she's been practicing for her Daddy Aaron and Grandma Robin. SO cute!

Routine

High Bar

Most Level 1 children are ages 6-8, Readan turns 5 in 9 days. Go Readan!

-Shana

Portraits

2009-08-11T12:47:00.005-05:00

We had professional pictures taken this past weekend and they turned out so good! Makenna turned 4 weeks old and that makes for some really cute newborn photos. Readan got in on some also, she had a blast!

I use Denise Tally who has a private studio next to her house, she is so great with children! Her website is http://www.denisetalley.com/ for those who might be interested!

My favorite is the one of Makenna hanging from the tree branch, so natural. Almost looks like a cocoon. Portraits are an investment worth while!

Readan, 5

Such a pretty girl!

Makenna, 1 month

-Shana

Momma said there'd be days like this.

2009-08-10T09:47:00.022-05:00

Baby Dallas is having a tough time adjusting to sharing mommy and daddy. It's hard, especially for me, watching him grow into the big brother role at only 14 months. Anytime I hold Makenna, Dallas cries for me to hold him....too sad! I definitely feel guilty at times.

As a family, we walk the dog to the park about 1/2 mile away every evening. The dog frolics in the grass, Kevin sits on the bench and watches, and I have the best excuse ever to play in the sand box with my kids!

Momma said there'd be days like this. Baby Dallas, mommy loves you even though I can't always play like I should. We will definitely have a tight knit family in the long run.

Remember when...

Then I blinked...

-Shana

Nursing School

2009-08-09T00:23:00.003-05:00

Wow, it's hard to believe that I just applied for nursing school! I remember 13 months ago starting my schooling again and thinking that August of 09 seemed so far away. The director said that out of 200 or so applications they will accept about 35. Very competitive indeed.

No worries though, I'm going to stay positive! Everything has gone smoothly thus far and I've got 5 years of experience in the Operating Room. Which, by the way, I miss dearly!

I should know by the end of September if I am accepted and if everything goes as planned I'll start in January. What an exciting time in my life! I'll be sure to keep the blog updated on my status!

-Shana

Sidewalk chalk.

2009-08-05T22:51:00.004-05:00

What makes a home, a home? Sidewalk chalk art by your children. Readan's new favorite thing to draw is suns and I can't be happier! I dreamed of the day that I would come home to my driveway and sidewalks cluttered with beautiful scribbles. It makes me smile even in the worst of moods.

New posts coming soon: Squeaker shoes, Nursing school, How'd that happen?

And one more makes three!

2009-08-05T22:22:00.008-05:00

Here is our newest addition to the family! Makenna was born on July 10th, weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces. It was shocking after having two bald blondies and then here's Makenna with a full head of black hair. Kevin stared at me and said, "Where did that come from?" Too funny. She really is a darling baby even though she cries about 3 hours per day.

This was my easiest pregnancy, but the worst delivery. The pain was hard to control after my c-section but I got a nice tummy tuck from my doctor! That definitely lifted my mood and was much needed after having three babies in 4 1/2 years.

A really good friend of ours gave us some advice on our wedding day, "Never let the kids out number you." Yes, now I understand this statement. Sorry about taking so long to update my blog with Makenna's birth, but here are the much requested photos!

Makenna Caroline

Meeting Daddy

Loving motherhood

Our little critters

I snapped this photo doing my laps around the nurses station.

I've never seen anything cuter!

Thanks Mom.

2009-07-31T09:29:00.015-05:00

Mom, thanks for teaching me everything you know about flower beds, annuals, and gardening. You'd be proud of my flower beds! I was even able to establish an azalea bush, along with 12 different hostas, a columbine, and a lavender plant. This year I even got brave and started some herbs, rosemary and basil. Thanks for teaching me the importance of worms at the small age of 7. I love you.

Readan brought this stash of money to me and said, "Okay Mommy, we can fly to Grandma Robin's now." We miss you mom.

Start a garden. Flower, herb, vegetable, or even start out with a house plant- it doesn't matter. They do a wonder for your blood pressure!!!

-Shana

Our Newest Addition

2009-07-30T14:02:00.009-05:00

You're probably expecting to see a picture of a cute little fat baby, but this is our newest addition. Readan's cat (Tig) ran away several months ago and we adopted this kitten from the Lee's Summit Animal Shelter. She has decided to name him Buffy. He was discovered along the side of the road with his brother (who is still at the shelter), and fits right in!

Readan and Buffy

Please always keep in mind to adopt.

http://cityofls.net/Police/Programs-and-Services/Animal-Control/Adopt-a-Pet.aspx

-Shana

Gooseberry Pie

2009-07-30T08:27:00.018-05:00

This is what I can get accomplished by waking up at 5am before the kids get up. Who doesn't love Gooseberry Pie?? With my love for cooking and baking, I'm bound to squeeze in the time at some point! I actually made this pie for somebody's birthday, maybe he'll share....

Still bubbling...

I think that gooseberries are pretty! For those of you who haven't tried one, they're slightly tart and sweet. Here's the recipe that I use if you would like to try it.

Gooseberry Pie

2 crust pie crust
3 cups gooseberries
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca

-Shana

Miss these Days...

2009-07-29T22:37:00.006-05:00

Kevin and my favorite time of day is after 9:00. Then, there is no screeching, crying, or questioning. It's just us and pure quiet. Tonight we decided to take a look back through our honeymoon pictures. Oh how we miss these days.

This was our cabana where I got the best tan of my life.

No worries though! We'll be back soon enough and in the meantime we have three beautiful children to take care of and love on. Stressfull at times, yes, but worth every minute of it.

-Shana

First Blog

2009-07-27T20:04:00.004-05:00

With the popularity of "blogging" and the majority of my friends already having a blog, I decided that it's time. With all the family that we have and some that we rarely see, this is a great way to stay in touch and share photos of the family. I am about to start nursing school and this may be an understatement, but we're going to be very busy. I'm excited about starting this blog and hopefully it'll only get better with time!

Our title came from one of Kevin's favorite songs that is all too relevant to our marriage: "Two of a kind, working on a full house."

Thanks for taking the time to check our blog and we hope that you'll enjoy it as much as we will!

Shana