Lanie goes to 4th grade!

So Lanie has entered the world of fourth grade and is very excited to begin the adventure! Lanie's day started at the crack of dawn, with clothes and hair perfect, and ready with her back pack on even before the alarm had gone off. I am not fooling myself into think that this will always be this way, but I will take it for now! She smiled for pictures and was happy to see old and new friends and with a smile and wave she happily entered the building as a "upper class man" at Abbey Lane. I was just as excited as she was and anxious to hear about the wonderful day that she was going to have. I had no idea the news she would be coming home with that day.
It was three o'clock and time for the afternoon pickup as children filed out of the school the parents waved and the kids smiled. Lanie had a smile on her face but there was an extra skip to her step and a sparkle in her eye. "Mom, Mom I have great news!" I asked how her teacher was and who was in her class which she quickly told me but she had a better story to share with me that day. So, I have to tell you what happened today. I listened careful as the story unfolded. She said that while sitting in class there was a knock at the door. The music teacher Mr. Carpone entered the room and said that he needed to speak with someone who was in her classroom and a boy raised his hand as if the he was the one that the teacher was looking for, but he was not the one that the teacher was looking for that day. I need to speak with Elaina,(Lanie then thought to herself ...wait I don't get picked for anything) she proceeded to go into the hall with the teacher. The teacher then informed her that the best cello player that the school had had graduated last year and they really needed someone to take her place. He then proceeded to inform Lanie that she was now the best cello player in the school and would like her to play for the entire 3rd grade to show them how the cello works and to be an example for them. Needless to say Lanie was excited for the opportunity and thankful for the compliment! Lanie has been practicing in anticipation of her big debut. The question is now will it be Old McDonald or Happy Birthday decisions....decisions.
We were excited for her and wanted her family to know~

Kara turns 2 !

Kara turned two yesterday, it is so hard for me to believe how quickly time goes by, but it really has. I was going through some video's that we made and I came upon the one that had the weekend that Kara was born. It was amazing to see how tiny she was then and how we were so excited to see who and what this tiny little life would become. She has come a long way from that little peanut and has grown into a happy and wild two year old.
Kara has many likes and dislikes in a wide range of areas. She loves Mickey Mouse and can pick him out of any crowd. She especially loves the clubhouse show and asks for it frequently. She has started to venture out and get new favorites like Dora and Boots. She loves to run and play especially if it means running away from Mommy and Daddy, who feel very slow when chasing her and has been known to make one parent laugh at another as the other tries to catch her as she goes darting and dashing. She actually can be compared to Spiderman and seems to be able to escape at any turn! She has also decided that she loves popcicles and is very cute when she points and shows you which color she wants. Kara has a lot of favorites, she loves to swing on the swing set and will yell if you walk away while pushing her and if you continue to walk she gets off and hunts you down to come back for more. She also loves Buddy, I mean really loves him. They are playmates and are often seen running and wrestling together.
Kara has a few things that she has let us know that she doesn't like. She does not like "Happy Birthday" sung to her and yells or says "no" through out the whole song. I figured it was that we sung bad or she hasn't come to grips with turning two and this was her way to revolt! She also doesn't like to have her pacifier taken away. She calls it her "ba ba" and we were going to take it away from her when she turned two, but we are renegociating that since it will make everyone else a little happier too. We will see what the jury holds on that one. Anyway one other thing she doesn't like would be sharing, but hey who really likes to share--kidding. She will learn as we all did that it is better to share and have friends then the alternative of no friends. Although she has her list of dislikes as we all do she is a very special kid.
Kara has a sense of discovery way more than Lanie had. She loves to walk to our neighbors house and look at their flowers, or look around the corner to see what is next. She also has no fear which means that she is always willing to jump a little higher, go a little faster, or just swing a little higher. I have to give her kudoos for her sense to strive for more. She also loves water puddles, lakes, and the occasional toliet are all high points in her day!
We love Kara and are so thankful to have her in our lives and look forward to the next adventure that she brings our way. Happy Birthday Kara!

There more to life than motor bikes and toliet bowls

So things have been have been busy here at the Burwell manor as Spring has arrived on Long Island and the rain has begun to drift away our house has become a buzz with the fresh air and warm sun that greets us each day.
Spring means yard work, random trips to the park, and an occassional stop by the ice cream man. We are enjoying this season as a family and began new adventures each in our own way. I thought I would give you all an update on what is happening around here and hope that you too would update us with what is new with you.
Kara seems to be a good place to start. Kara LOVES spring it means running in the yard, swinging on the swings and getting to ride her hot pink car. She has been fascinated with the older kids as they ride their scooters and bikes and is trying to keep up with them and unfortunately has a few straps to show for it. She has began talking at a rapid rate and is almost able to keep up with her big sister, ok maybe not but she enjoys telling you things are "broken" and still loves her "Mickey Mou" and "Pooh" which she now grabs the remote and runs to you with it. She loves the birds and enjoys pointing them out to you and also likes to pick flowers and telling you "yellow" which is her word for flower, we are still working on that.The item that Kara has been most excited about lately is the toliet. She loves to encourage her friend Tricia and her cousin Dehlia who are in the process of potty training. She loves to say yeah and throw in her own toliet paper and wave goodbye as the pee pee etc floats away. Nothing will defeat what she did last night. She actually became one with the toliet bowl!! And no to what your thinking we do not allow our 1 year to pull an all nighter of drinking and end up sucking up to the porcelien goddess no this was done perfectly sober. We were at my in laws house when I couldn't find her so as I looked around at the usually places I was surprised to see that she was in the bathroom. As I watched before my very eyes she was wading up toliet paper and dipping it in the toliet and then sticking it in her mouth and sucking the water off. AS I ran I am sure you can visualize...just like in the movies... a slow motion run with a big open mouth NOOOOOOO....but it was too late. The deed was done. So Kara is currently having her mouth suctioned out to free her from any bacteria that may have creeped into her mouth and I am taking a class titled : How to deal with a toddler who wipes the wrong end.
Lanie has been busy this Spring with a number of different things. She has began a friendship with some of the neighborhood kids again and has enjoyed riding her friend Shawns motorbike. She has actually become consummed with riding his motor bike that each day she counts down the minutes to when she can spend time with him to ride bikes together. I am glad she is outside but I am waiting for her to ask to get on temporary tattoo so she can look like a real biker! Lanie has also been involved with Girl Scouts and has now made orchestra for her cello so we will get to go and see her perform next week which is exciting. She will also have a chorus concert as well as two dance recitals. She is quite a thespian this all fits in to her love of shows and always willing to throw one together for her family and friends.Lanie is loving school and is doing a unit on butterflies. She loves learning about nature and is ready to raise her own butterflies at home.We are proud parents to say that Lanie got straight A'a this quarter and we are very proud of her!
As for Doug and I we are enjoying the weather and starting to do yard work as we prepare for the summer a head. I am looking for a summer job that will allow me to be home with the kids but still bring in some bacon or maybe just a pork rib or two. Doug is trying to fit in golf when he can, and we are looking forward to his birthday June 3 and hoping to see the new Yankee stadium soon.
Well that is it for the Burwell's, until the next update enjoy this beautiful weather!

Why don't 8 year olds come with manuals?

So normally I come to this blog to brag or show off some major event at the Burwell manor, but todays installment is a stress revealer and hopefully be a blog that others can say I have been there or someday I will be there.
Anyway Lanie and I had a huge disagreement today which resulted in a major punishment for Lanie. The fight is not what this blog is about but more the after effects that stem from a argument with your child whom you love more than anything in this world.The shockwaves that kit your household.
The punishment occurred after many warnings and much debate. I do have to give Lanie kudoos in that I see her having a really good chance at becoming a lawyer in her future. The punishment was handed down and soon followed was Lanie's request for a family meeting was given. So lucky for Doug he was pulled into the debate as well. Poor Doug was then sentenced to the worst fate any man could see himself in-- in the middle of TWO women arguing. Lanie stated her side with examples and explaination as I tried to listen and give her the floor. After much debate and my side was stated the gavel fell down as the judgement was made that the punishment would stand. It was like a scene from Judge Judy except much more dramatic!
As I listen to Lanie cry it breaks my heart and flashes of my own childhood race through my mind. I realize that the feelings she has are sad and angry with a glimpse of regret. I now know that my parents were doing these things out of love for me which I now find myself in that same position,the one that has to teach the lesson. I have heard the saying that "this is going to hurt me more than it is going to hurt you." I now see how true this statement is and how deeply it does hurt. I don't like to see my children in pain, but I do want them to grow and be good people who make good choices and do their best to do the right thing. Most of all I want them to know that I love them! This means making hard decisions and showing all the love that I have in my heart to them.
So now I ask you wouldn't be easier if 8 years had manuals? When problems come about you thumb to the index look up the problem and key in the answer. I know what you thinking then they would be like a robot and have no emotion, no sense of drive just a simple solution. Sometimes as a parent I look for for the simple solution when there is growth on both of our parts. I am glad that Lanie is not a robot but an emotional kid much like myself at that age. I know that I am not Dr. Frankenstein, I did not invent some robot that goes and takes over the world. I am much more I am a mother who was lucky enough to create a beautiful girl who grows more beautiful each day on the inside and the outside.
So why don't 8 year olds have manuals? The answer is because there are many solutions and many ways to love your child many more that could ever fill a manual because the flow of a mothers love could never be contained in a book.
Well, it's time for me to go now.... I have to go hug "my girl."

Hidden Treasure

This week I have been reminded of the hidden treasures that surround my life and the lives of my children. When we grow up we look at our parents as just being our parents but when we marry and have children of our own some change seems to come over them. We are left thinking is that my mom offering cookies and cake BEFORE dinner or is that my dad dancing to Barney? Is that the same person acting silly and goofy? I know their hair is a little grayer but I think it is them. Of course it is them they are a hidden treasure amoung us they are GRANDPARENTS!
My children are lucky to have all of their grandparents still living and healthy enough to be a BIG part of their lives. I see this in their everyday lives and these wonderful people go into shaping who they are. For that they are truly blessed.
Lanie had a project in school for Family Heritage day today. The day involved finding out just where did she come from, the true family tree, more than just the people in your family you see everyday. I was excited about the project because it allowed Lanie to learn some history and be able to share it with her class. She called Papa (Bill) and got some information since he is a geneologist he has the information on paper. It was exciting to see how excited Lanie was to learn the information and just as happy was Papa that he had someone to share with! Lanie learned that she actually had ancestors on the Mayflower she wouldn't have known that had it not been for sharing this experience with her grandpa. Another part of the project was to make and bring in a family recipe. This is where another grandparent comes into play. Grandma Burwell, who is always willing to bake with her grandgirls came up with the idea of Great Grandma Burwell recipe to make apple kuchen. The time spent with Grandma was not only fun but a hidden treasure with Lanie and a memory she won't forget anytime soon. Grandma and Lanie made enough for her to take to school today and that made Lanie smile from ear to ear.
Grandma Sophie and Grandpa Sophie are a treasure to my girls also.They send packages to the girls with so many surprises! Lanie has gotten to the point that when there is a package at the door she automatically thinks it is for her and Kara too of course! They make the time that we have with them special by planning fun activities for the kids do, allowing Lanie to do anyone of the shows she plans and not rushing her through it. They have allowed us to go on vacation with them so that my children can have even more experiences then even we can offer them.Goinf to Disney and going on the cruise ship, snorkeling in the carribean are just a few of the experiences.
Gram is always there with a craft to make with Lanie she loves to learn how to sew or work on ceramics.She helped make a blanket with her Gram that she now sleeps with at night. Gram is always so generous to send gifts for no reason but to brighten my daughters'day. Papa is willing to do "the big" puzzle with Lanie when we go and visit,and on every visit they have to play a game or two of ping pong.Papa is there to read a book Kara or to just let her "jump" and wrestle on the floor. They have shared the treasures that they hold with my children.
Grandpa Burwell is always there when the girls need him whether it be taking Lanie to the pool or the playground or reading a book to Kara. I love to see Grandpa pull one of his grandgirls on his lap and snuggle them or get them to sleep. Grandma Burwell likes to take Lanie to Broadway shows, special nights in a great city hotel, horse drawn carriage rides or just sitting and making old family recipes of christmas cookies that can be shared with future generations!
I am thankful for each and every one of my childrens grandparents they add an additonal piece to the puzzle of what make my children whole. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives even if you are a little grayer than I once remember. I love you and thank you for who you are!

So What's Up with the Mouse?

So the kids were on break this week, so along with getting things done around the house it was important to spend some family time doing some activities that my kids love. We spent time playing games, going outside, watching movies, working on puzzles, but the big activity this week was going to Chuck E. Cheese. Yes parents that's what I said I entered the mouse zone on a week that would make any parent shake in their shoes! Lanie was asking to go from the beginning of the week, since we weren't going anywhere this week I thought it would be fun to splurge a little and have some crazy fun.
Going to Chuck E. Cheese is not just a family outing it is a major family event since we don't visit there often.I had to prepared for the day, I downloaded my coupons and refinanced on my home(just kidding of course). If you have ever been to Chuck E. Cheese you know that they are sittting on a gold mine. Anyway back to the story as we entered the building you could see the excitement building on the faces of my kids. The restaurant has bells and whistles, tickets, lights, pizza, cotton candy, and best of all rides. This restuarant has all that goes into any kids goodnight dream. The excitement mounted as their hands were stamped and they knew that the rides were within their grip only to find that we had to wait in line to get a table. Yikes! a long line for a table and food. A quote came to mind from my doctors office...parenting can be like being pecked to death by chickens! don't get me wrong I love being a mom, but when the kids see the rides, smell the food and have to wait it can be a little nerve challenging!
So we got our seats, ordered our food and were ready to roll. Lanie ran off to the big kid games where the tickets can be earned and the fun can be had. Kara and I headed to the "baby" area. She found a great slide that she loved and kept going on, the funny thing was it was the only free thing in the place. I gotta love a kid who can find bargains! I then saw a merry go round which she loved and smiled each time she passed.(Look for these pictures on the blog site)Every token that we spent on that ride was worth it. Lanie soon came back to find us with tickets and cotton candy (what every kid needs-- more sugar) she was all smiles and ready to keep going it was enjoyable to see the excitement she had over winning the cotton candy. Lanie was very sweet helping her sister to see what Chuck's place was all about. It was then time to eat so we enjoyed our pizza and some family time talking about the games and which rides were the best and then back to play time.
As Kara walked around she came to the area where they have the stand up machines with Chuck E. and his gang. She was so excited and waved Mou Mou she knew he was a mouse and that is a good thing in her eyes. As many of my readers know her love for another well known mouse Mickey! As I saw the excitement she had for the mouse I began to wonder what is up with the mouse? Who said to themselves hey lets take this small animal and make it lifesize and having him running around a restaurant where there are games and serve what every mouse eats- pizza! Don't get me wrong I have no problem with the mouse other than the fact that he should be gold instead of gray since he is making lots of gold from the money that walks in the door each day.
I just think it is funny that two characters that kids love are both mice. I wonder where people come up with this concept.After leaving the rides and games you get the most painful part of the time at Chuck E.'s -- ticket redemption. I feel like there should be a noise dum dum dummmm( that doom sound) Kids anxiously wait in line to make their decision on a bunch of gumball machine toys that will end up inbetween the car seats before you make it home. The decisions are as painstaking as the Geneva Convention. Once the decisions are made it is time to leave and kids leave the place in one of two ways with smiles or screams. Parents leave only one way exhausted.
Don't get wrong although I think Chuck E. is a little weird it does create great family fun for us and it is worth the money and the lines. So the next time you want a chance to let the kids run wild, add some smiles to your kids day and get a hankering for every mouses favorite food... pizza head over to Chuck E. Cheeses. Although it sounded like I am complaining we really did have fun it was just fun to share a parents perspective!
I am adding pictures to my site also so be sure to check them out!

Is there love in the air?

Some tommorrow is Valentine's day. A day that many would call a Hallmark holiday or a day that was created by florist across the nation to boost sales in what normally would be a slow time of the year.The number of red roses sold each year are probably more than any sold any other time of the year. I am sure that the amount of chocolate sold during this time of year only comes in second to Halloween. There is a lot of dough to be made on a day that was created to show your love for another.
Although Valentine's day is a very commerical day it can be a nice reminder to tell the ones that you love how special they are to you. A nice homemade card or a cute poem written out of love or being witty will always do my heart good.I also like the idea that Zales has that you should give a bag of diamonds but hey who can afford that one! I do like the idea of letting someone you love or someone you could potientially love know that your thinking of them is pretty special. I think back to my school days when you let that boy know that you liked him or how great it felt to have someone send you a flower with a special message.
I know may people choose to use this day as a day to get engaged. They have a special evening where they share their feelings for another and ask them to spend the rest of their lives with them. Valentine's Day must mean a lot to people to chose that day to make a commitment of a lifetime.
Although, I personally find Valentine's day to be a fun day to tell that special someone how much you mean to them you should remember to tell them each and everyday and make each day Valentine's day.(although my waistline couldn't take chocolate everyday and I would have make room for all those roses)

I think I see stars in her eyes

As many of you know Lanie is in love with theater. If she had a million dollars she would buy tickets to see Wicked everyday. She is a driven girl who knows what she wants and does what she can to get it especially is if it is something she is obsessed with.
Since last summer when she left Camp Blue Bay she talked about how she was definately going to go back and hopefully for two weeks! As she was reading through the brochure for this summer she saw that they are having a Showtunes week where they practice a play make the costumes, make the back drop and actually perform the show at the end of the week.Needless to say she is trying to figure out how to make it happens and reminds us about it frequently. We are going to see if she will be able to go to enjoy that this summer but let's just suffice it to say it is all she talks about so we will see what happens!
I keep telling her that she is on her way to broadway.She is definatley in the right place to follow her dreams with New York City just miles away.I am amazed at how she never grows tired of making plays, coming up with songs, and trying to get family members to be in her show or at the very least watch her show. I am hoping that we can get her into some acting classes this year they have a class that is geared for kids that want to act. She got a kareoke machine for Christmas that she likes, but her love seems to run more in the directing. She is kind of behind the scenes type person. She wrote a show for Christmas that the kids did and the family was so kind to sit back and watch which made Lanie feel very good. That love that the family has shown to her has encouraged her to want to do more.
She had a sleepover where the kids were going to do a show, I did feel bad for the other kids because Lanie loves it doesn't mean that everyone love it. It all worked out and they had fun "trying out" and practicing their parts. It was very cute.
All we can do as parents is encourage her in whatever dreams she has and maybe someday she will want to be a doctor or a lawyer, she does know how to debate! We will see what her future will bring because you never know where your children's dreams will carry them.
Hopefully someday you'll look in your mailbox and see tickets for a broadway show or open a playbill and see her name in print. We will see where her dreams take her but "I think I see stars in her eyes"

Buddy -- are you really my buddy?

So today I was thinking that I had not blogged for a while and began to think about what or who would my next installment be about. As I began to ponder I thought about each person in my family and how most things seem to be on a pretty even keel right now so what could I possibly write about. I then realized that I had a furry little animal using my lap for a pillow and snoring pretty loudly.So I am sure you have guessed I am talking about Buddy my dog but sometimes my enemy.
My dog Buddy is very cute a little chubby but that is kind of how we make them here at Burwell manor. He is somewhat of a lazy dog who is always willing to lay on your lap or snuggle on a nearby coat or pillow. Although he is lazy he is always willing to share with Kara any food she may want to drop his way or inadvertently share with him as he follows each of her steps. Sometimes Buddy gets on my nerves by the occasional pee accident or the chewing up of my shoes. He is always there to help reduce the number of toys we have by his ability to chew anything that is plastic or wooden which makes up most of the toys we own. There are times when he gets outs and runs and I want to just let him keep running but somehow he makes his way back home - darn!
Although I get annoyed by Buddy and always willing to give him to the highest bidder which doesn't seem to be anyone. He is a good dog. He is always there to greet you with a excited jump when you come home no matter what your day was like. He has a gentle way about him with children, Kara can climb all over the poor dog and he will just looks up with his sad eyes. I am very impressed with how protective he is with our kids. He loves to sleep in bed with Lanie, it is very cute to see him snuggle in next to her when it is time to go to bed. I was home with the girls the other night and Buddy was in with us as we slept, when Doug arrived home Buddy was there to make sure that the person that came in was someone we knew. I have to admit that he works better than any alarm system. I love it when Kara sees him and runs up to him and says "Hi Buddy Bud" and puts her arms around him.
Although I have realized that I am not a big dog fan I think every child should have a dog experience in their lifetime. I think my children have learned what it is to take care of something that is more than themselves and how to love an animal.
So I guess even if you are the highest bidder... I won't be able to take your bid since Buddy has a home here with us.

Wonderful day for our family!

So today was a wonderful day for our family our new nephew was adopted and now has "the official" stamp. He was part of our family the very day he was born and we are so proud to call him nephew and cousin. We know that Jeff and Kim have been through a lot to get to this joyous day and know now that it was worth it all.
Jeff, Kim and Connor we love you and look forward to watching Connor grow!

Ahhh Sleep Baby Sleep

So now that I have come off of my political soap box it is time to head back into family mode. The Burwell house is starting to get back to normal after the last few wild weeks we have had in our home. We do ask that you keep us in your prayers that our family will heal from the waves that have hit our home. I am happy to announce that Kara now goes down for naps and bedtime with little to no crying and is always happy to spend time with bedtime bear (thanks Aunt Kim and Uncle Jeff). The transition was hard but I am happy that we went through the storm. As for Lanie she is feeling better and has now been able to go to sleep peacefully. She is really growing into being a great sister and truly enjoys "showing" Kara lots of new stuff. Doug is working hard and trying to get things back in order in our home. I am balancing childcare in my home and being a mom. I am looking forward to spring when the kids can play outside where the air is fresh (although I truly believe you should never rush the seasons). We are looking forward to what God's plan is for our family and wish many wonderful days for you in 2009.

America Welcomes a new president

As I sat today watching the swearing in of President Obama I couldn't help it but many thoughts went through my mind as I was watching history happen. Although I did not vote for Obama I do respect him as our new President and do wish him well in his endeavors.
First of all, I have to give this man many kudos! To be the first man of color to run and be elected President is a wonderful accomplishment as well as a man of his age and experience. It is a shame that it has taken America so long to come to this point but it goes to show that if you put your heart into something it can be accomplished.The way that President Obama pursued his dreams were well thought out and worked together brilliantly.
Secondly, I listen to his speech which was very good by the way. The speech talked about a variety of ideas and beautiful words to descibe things, but unfortunately I was left at a loss as for how things are going to change. I do love the fact that He wants all Americans to join together and work together to fix things as well as volunteer to help those around us. I agree with that 100 percent, but I still left wanting more. I want to follow this president but I need more from him. I need some examples, and I guess I will see this as time goes on," for crying out loud he was just sworn in today" you say. I am going to have a positive attitude to our new president I just hope that he is able to get our country out of this rut. The demands of this country are great with the war happening, the financial recession, and the state of America's businesses he has a lot on his plate. I hope that President Obama surrounds himself with good support and knowledgeable people so that America can once again hold it's head up again in our own country as well as around the world?
Thirdly, Doug and I discussed this last night and it may seem like a crazy question and really kind of weird, but here it goes. Since President Obama is not a "christian" is he bound to following the promises of the bible that He swore on today? I know that he swore on the Lincoln Bible but what if he was Jewish would he swear on the torah? or an athesist would he have to swear on anything at all? I just thought I would throw that out their to my blog followers. Please let me know what you think.
Finally, I will say that I am unsure where he will take our country I will be praying for him and hope that he quickly changes many minds like my own over the next 4 years. Welcome Mr. President Obama welcome!

Family is everything!

Today was a wild and crazy day for our family.I am sure that their are times in everyones life when things are not always as they should be. As we go through life there are ups and downs and tests along the way that really allow us to step back and ask ourselves what is really important in life? Each season in life holds it's own adventure. I feel that this blog is a bunch of metaphores.
What I am trying to say is when everything seems to be at it's end as long as you have a family to come home to you are lucky. I am also happy to have my faith to help get through any situation.The love of my husband and the smiles and hugs from my children could be all that I could ever ask for. As Doug has quoted to me this week "as long as I have you guys I have all I need" God seems to know how to put the right people in our lives just when we need them. You never realize all that you have until you think about your health, your warm home and a full belly.
I am truly happy to have love ones that are there with a listening ear, a helping hand, or a loving word.
I know this is a serious blog which I am trying to be more of a humorous blogger, but I was feeling a little sentimental.
If you are reading this and have given us loving words, helpful support, or just thought of us we love you are thankful for you.
Love, Jenny (future humorous blogger)

So how does it feel to be 1

So today as I was playing with Kara I began to think how wonderful it is to have a one year old in our house again.She seems to be happy most of the time with her cute scrunched up smile and bright hazel eyes she can charm her way into just about anything. I thought how it must feel each day to start off with someone getting you dressed, feeding you, and then taking care of your every whim whether it be your favorite episode of Mickey Mou or a book of your choosing usually Moo Baa Lalala. I love that fact that no matter what happens in my life she is always there with a tight hug or a cute open mouth kiss. Although it is great I am sure there are downsides too. For instance, how about diapers yuck I don't know that the continuous airing of my favorite show would be worth wearing one of those all day. How about being forced to nap (as I listen to her crying upstairs right now) although I would like the midday sleep I don't know that I would like to be forced into a bed when I really want to be up and running around. The sad part is she needs to nap and if I were her I would love someone to make me take a nap.
So back to the good things... I enjoy the fact that she is really beginning to talk now. She can say Mom or as she says MAAAaaaamom and Dad which is her usual response when I ask her to say Mama she can say baba which is pacifier. She can say Lanie, cheese, please, thank you and make a moo sound and a tiger growl.
It amazes me how parents have their kids perform. I used to think this was weird until I became one of those parents."Watch Kara do this, Lanie show them how you do that" after the moment I realize I just asked my child to perform- should I give them a treat? or do I get they get a performance fee for their role?
We love the moments that we have with our baby and look forward to seeing the person she will become. I am sure there will be a day we will look back and say remember when she used to say "moo" Kara we love you!

Grieving as a Family

As many of my readers may know we lost a dear and loving family member right before Christmas and her name is Aunt Sue. The loss of Aunt Sue has been one that was not only sorrowful but extremely shocking to all of us. Aunt Sue was what appeared to be a healthy woman with a normal life and going through life as all of do so the loss of her was shocking not only for the adults but for my own children.
Lanie was very sad when we told her about Aunt Sue she was sad, and tearful but seemed to continue on with things as they would for any 8 year old. The only problem is she really wasn't going on as a normal 8 year old as I soon found out. While in Cincinnati she got the stomach virus that was going around she often cried and was extremely upset. Doug and I couldn't figure out why it was lasting so long and why she wasn't healing. We took her to the emergency room where they did many tests they decided it was indigestion. Lanie continued to have stomach problems and often crying in pain when it was time to go to bed. We really could not figure it out and often became frustrated with her, which I now regret!
I was laying in bed last night I feel that the Lord spoke to me and maybe a little help from Aunt Sue it occurred to me what was happening with Lanie. She was having anxiety attacks, just like I have experienced in my life. I know you say an 8 year old having an anxiety attack? Well when you lose someone so close to you and so real to you it can be scary. When Lanie woke up this morning I went in and spoke with her about how she was feeling and what was on her mind and in fact what I thought was true. She not only expressed to me that she was afraid she would die but that people around her including me would not live forever. The thought of the idea that no one lives forever was terribly painful for her. I remember as a young child feeling that same way realizing that not everyone can be here forever. So we talked for a while about how there isn't enough room for everyone to stay here on earth and how heaven is such a wonderful place to be someday with God. It is very hard to comprehend at 8 or at 37 how we can't just keep everyone we love here on earth with us so there is no sorrow or loss. After talking for a while we decided to implement family fun night and we are going to continue to talk more about her feelings and anxieties.
Today was a life lesson for me. The lesson here is that although "things" may look fine they are not always "fine." I realized that 8 year olds can act brave when deep down inside they are just as sad as her grieving parents and family.
The loss of Aunt Sue has grieved our WHOLE family, but there are positive things that have come out of it, a wake up call for check ups, a need to talk more about daily life with the ones that we love, to cherish each day and most importantly.... to hug each other everyday.
We love you and miss you Aunt Sue.

Why Blog?

So blogging seems to be the latest craze amoung computer mom's so I decided to jump on the band wagon and give it a go. I don't consider myself a very good writer or even a creative writer but I thought having this blog would be a good way to get my thoughts out the world, update family and friends on the happenings in my families life and hey it's cheaper than therapy. Blogging seems to be a unique technique in itself it is almost like taking someones journal and posting it for all the world to see. I am amazed the different ways that you can blog you can have a serious blog where you fight for justice or a loving blog where you can express your love for that special someone, you can have a news blog where you can report on things you like and don't like in the news. After thinking about it I decided to come up with the slant of talking about my family and maybe occasionally putting in a few lines about my views on the world around me. I have goals for my blog, I hope that it will be entertaining as well as informative so that people will read it of course. My only hesitation is that it will not be as funny and creative as some of my family and friends blogs'

So if you would like an update on my family or just have some free time feel free to check out my blog you never know there maybe a little Mark Twain in me after all.