{sold cookie dough}

I just had to add that my two darlings each sold $330 worth of cookie dough and tied for first place. I mean, who could actually turn them down?

{selling cookie dough}

I must admit, I've never been "gung-ho" on fundraisers. Too busy, I would be doing all the work, not-so-great memories of standing in the cold trying to sell candy bars as a kid...the usual excuses. Of course, I usually buy one or two of what my kids are selling. That's only the right thing to do. So, when my mom (the fundraiser queen) came into town and found out that there is a cookie dough sale going on for Silver State, she jumped right in. She corraled Kate and Chad, taught them what to say, and took them out door to door. Mom took Chad and I tagged along with Kate, thinking I could help somehow. Little did I know the blessings I would receive!
No one turned Katelyn down. Big surprise there. But we've got a few things to work on;-) As soon as we walked out the door, Katelyn asked a young couple walking by with a double stroller. They paid right there. I was delighted to meet a couple in the area in our age group. At the first door, Katelyn walked right in, while Maria was finding change. She made herself quite comfortable, and even started up the stairs. Maria had me help her hang her Halloween decorations, then overpaid and told us to keep the change. At the second door, Linda didn't want any cookies, so paid for Kate to get her favorite kind: M&M. Pat next door was in her 90's, was on 6 liters of oxygen, slept in a hospital bed in the front room, got around in a wheelchair, and had a caretaker there making her meals. Pat wanted white chocolate macadamia, but couldn't find any money. I told her that her neighbor had just paid for it. When we got to the fourth house, Patricia was writing a check when Katelyn walked in the kitchen and said she was "so hungry." Patricia found a protein bar, which Kate spit out and said was "nasty!" Embarrassed, I pulled Kate out of there, promising her supper after we went to one more house.
At the last house, John met us at the door wheeling a large trashcan out. As I held the door open for him, he growled, "What do you want?" Kate responded, "Well, I'm selling tooties for my stool." John growled again, "Over-priced I bet." Kate didn't know how to respond to that. Just then, John's grandson Salem ran out and asked for M&M cookies. John didn't have enough cash, so went inside for his checkbook. When he came out, he sat down in a broken plastic chair by the garage, pointed to another broken chair, and ordered "Sit." I sat. He wrote out a check, asked for a receipt (which I didn't have), then proceeded to talk to me for 45 minutes. After a while, his grandson Salem went inside and brought out gatorade and crackers for Katelyn-who was starving. When we left, John said "No one ever has time to sit down and just talk. I'm glad you did. All I do is sit around with my right hand shaking constantly, trying not to die from cancer and Parkinsons. When you come back with the cookies, bring your husband so I can talk to him." With that, he slammed the door shut.
So maybe I have changed my mind a little about fundraisers. This one anyway. It was a great way to meet new neighbors and help them. Even if it was a little out of my comfort zone. You just never know.

{mountain autumn}

As usual, I love to brag about the state I live in. And this year's autumn has been exceptional. We've taken several fishing/hiking trips to the mountains to "soak" in the beauty as much as possible. And as the weather gets cooler, I start baking. Bring on the apple crisp, pumpkin pie, and hot cider, brisk evening walks in the crisp, cool air and relaxed conversation around the fire pit. Love it!!!

In fact, it would be all right with me if it stayed fall all year long. That way, whenever you come visit, you could witness the breathtaking beauty as well!

{butterfly, sugarbaby}

Katelyn Elizabeth Farney, my little red-head full of piss and vinegar...you turned a miraculous and adventurous 4 this month, and didn't miss a beat. I say miraculous, because we almost lost you in June. 3 minutes without air. The entire time I was doing the heimlich, I was thinking..."After all of your shenanigans I have survived, I need you more than I had ever realized." After all, who would I have to introduce me to every stranger in the grocery store while I shop? Whose toenails and fingernails would I paint purple, only to see it all scratched off an hour later? Who would eat all the vegetables out of our garden? Who would wipe my tears and give me "a biddest hud"? Who would I play princess and tea party with? Who would tattoo her entire body with markers because she knows her mom doesn't approve? Who would scold and defend Chad? The other day, you coached Chad on what you had learned about the alphabet, and when he finally got the funny rhyme, you said "Dood job, bid brodder. I'm so proud of you!"

Katelyn, you never miss out on creating a mess, meeting a new friend, or making someone's day. When you were born, you kept your eyes wide open for 6 hours, soaking in everything you possibly could. And you haven't slowed down since. The minute I saw you, I had never wanted something so badly. A healthy, adorable little girl is every mother's dream come true. I was hoping for a calm, cuddly personality, and was disappointed at first when you were not that way.  I had a "box" to fit you in- my idea of what a girl should be like. Alas, you held me at arms' length, even as an infant, while demanding you always knew my exact whereabouts. You were loud, screeched constantly, and hated to nurse. Even now, you ask me what I think or which outfit I like, and then do or wear the opposite. And gradually, I have realized that you have an incredible gift, you will achieve great things, and you will help and uplift others in the process. You have always loved school and socializing, sharing, and giving away your things. Last year, you were named "Miss Socialite" at Meadowood. You started a new preschool this month, and delight my soul with your songs, verses, poems, "Kate-unique" dialect, and the never-ending chatter about all your friends. You are passionate about whatever you do: reading books, riding your new purple Specialized bike with pink helmet, playing dress up, coloring, being outdoors, bossing the dogs, helping me in the kitchen...You have taught me to expand the possibilities, to think outside the box, and to never give up. You shock me, surprise me, and never cease to amaze me. I look forward to being your best friend and watching you achieve your full potential.

{quarter time}

So I have alot to catch up on. Alot to tell about when I can sit down and write about all what we've done in the last few months... like going to Pagosa for our anniversary, being a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding in Oklahoma, and vacationing in Branson. But since it is late, and we're going to Silver Dollar City tomorrow, I will tell about a recent incident when my daughter's life passed before my eyes, my career in nursing was validated, and I learned never to take my children for granted...

We were sitting in the rehearsal dinner, watching a video of my cousin and her fiance, when Jonathan leaned up to me and whispered loudly, "Honey, Kate just swallowed a quarter!" We jumped up and ran out of the darkened room to the foyer, where Jonathan did a finger sweep and found nothing. He then let go of her in near panic as Kate turned purple and crumpled. My training came into play without a second thought- I did the Heimlich maneuver almost 3 minutes before the quarter came shooting out across the room. After a couple rescue breaths, Kate grabbed her throat and screamed. We took her outside to calm down. I was shaking. Not a minute later, Jonthan's sister Shara called. The first words out of her mouth were, "Are you guys okay? I was playing the piano when I felt like God wanted me to stop and pray for you."

{Kate's latest idea}

Kate told me last night, "When I'm older, I'm gonna get a new face." I asked her, "But why? Yours is so pretty!" She pondered that, and answered, "Well, I'll keep my same mouth and eyes, but I need a new nose." "I like yours- it's perfect," I assured her. "No, I don't like this one" as she touched her nose. "This one keeps getting buggers in it."

{spring fever}

Well, we've got it. Spring fever that is. Every day, we stare longingly at the mountains, wishing to be there. When it warms up, we get the itch even more. So this weekend, we corraled some friends, I took my midterm exam early (only 3 more weeks left), and we all headed out for South Fork-our home away from home. It ended up being a nice weekend of relaxation, camping in our RV, and soaking in the Pagosa Hot Springs. We got some sun too! The kids baked a little more than anticipated, although I did do the mom thing and coat them with sunscreen... We were just in the water longer than anticipated. But it was wonderful.

{swimming lessons}

Have you ever had a "light-bulb moment"? I need some company. It seems I have these alot. All moms probably say to themselves at one point or another, "Why didn't I think of that earlier?" Where is the manual for child-raising that includes such reminders as "let your child feed himself at 18 months; your child should be potty-trained by age 3; it is no longer appropriate for a child to suck his thumb after age 4; it is highly recommended to take your child to the zoo 3 times a year; enroll your child in swimming/karate/gymnastics/soccer lessons by age___." After all, how can a mom keep up with all these things?

So I had a similar light-bulb moment about 3 weeks ago. My kids have been begging for me to buy them floaties for the pool this summer (they lost theirs at the end of last summer). We haven't gone swimming recently, but they are already thinking and somewhat fearful about it. Then it dawned on me, "Swimming lessons. Why haven't I enrolled them sooner?" I mean, I have a friend with a 3 year-old who just jumps right in and swims underwater with no assistance or timidity. Why can't my kids do that? Because I have not enrolled them in swimming lessons. So I did. They are now taking weekly lessons at the Safe Splash Swim school, in the same class for now. Their first lesson was quite a success. Donned with new goggles and a pink swim cap for Katelyn, they excitedly lined up to enter the pool. I got to watch the energy through the huge window in the parent's lounge. When we went to the hot springs this weekend, they were noticeably more comfortable in the water, even after just 1 lesson.

Their cousin Andrew is signed up to join in the fun and take lessons with them. I can't help but laugh out loud every time I look at this picture of Kate. Let me know if you did too!

{kids say the darndest things...}

Background to the situation:

1. I am on week 10 of P90X, feeling good, feeling fit...

2. Just bought Kate a new car booster seat, as she is now over 30 pounds...

3. The back seat of our Honda Civic is pretty small...

So this morning, we're riding to work and I'm reaching to the back seat to hold Katelyn's hand. She says, "Momma, sit with me." I tell her, "I can't honey. I'm already up here, and daddy is driving." Then I add, "Although now, I probably would fit since your car seat is not as wide." Chad pipes up, "No you couldn't. Your bottom is too fat!" Not to be undone, I retort: "Oh, yeah? I'll show you!" all the while Jonathan is laughing hysterically. You just don't say that to your 115-pound mom. At least I never did.

So I climb to the back, sit myself down, and declare "See, I do fit." Chad looks at me slyly and says, "I'm so smart. I just wanted you back here." At that, we all have a good laugh. Gotta watch out for this kid- he's a trickster!

{seeds and weeds}

It's about that time again...time to order seeds, pull out the little pots, fill them with soil, and plant the seeds. What a great science lesson for kids! Last weekend, Chad spied a little "greenhouse" dome with 6 small pots, 6 pellets, and some cactus seeds. He begged me to buy it and help him plant the seeds. About an hour after completing the process, he crawled up to the counter and cried, "nothing is up yet!" I explained that it will take a while for them to sprout. Every morning, he has made note that the seeds are not working. What a surprise he will have when he finally sees a cactus "pop up." He got really excited 2 weeks ago when he found a dead fly in his venus fly trap- LOL.

This weekend, we are ordering seeds from my favorite company:  http://www.seedsofchange.com/ 

--the company my cousin John Steiner works for in their research and preservation of heirloom seeds. He recommends the yacon, so I'm going to try it this year.

Chad's request is for the Chadwick Cherry tomato. He was delighted when he found his name in the catalog. He also asked for his favorite vegetable: asparagus, but was deflated when I told him it takes a few years for that to be ready. Katelyn's only request is peas. Last year, she ate the whole crop. Whenever we couldn't locate her in the house, we would find her in the pea patch harvesting the green M&M's. My absolute favorite is the yellow pear cherry tomato. Each year, I let the last crop of green beans dry out, and save them for seed the next year. This will be my 4th summer to do this. Another highlight of our garden is the magic pumpkins. Last year, we grew four 100-pound pumpkins. But the magic was in the skin...Jonathan and I used a pocket knife to etch "Chad" and "Kate" in the skin of the pumpkins. The skin scabbed over to form white letters. Chad informed me, "God knows my name, b/c he wrote it on my pumpkin!"

Needless to say, we have a good garden times.

{family pics}

I must admit, I am REALLY BAD about getting family pictures taken. It's one of those things that gets forgotten in the rush to get the kids to school, get to work, have fun with the family, try to get into school, remodel the house, etc... It may also have something to do with hating studios and posed pictures. I like candid shots better. So I have avoided family pictures like the plague. Then one day, I was coming down the stairs in our house and laid eyes on our last family picture hanging there. Chad was 3 months old. Wow! Could it really have been that long ago? Chad is 5 now. 

About that time, a friend of mine got family pictures taken. Jonathan and I liked them so much, we promptly made an appointment. But where to go in Denver outdoors in January? Downtown of course...to Union Station. 

{national western stock show}

It was a day both our husbands were busy, so Alyssa (my cousin) and I decided to bundle up the kids and take them to the National Western Stock Show...not knowing what to expect. The expedition involved tons of people in crowded buildings, lots of walking, cotton candy, and 4 trips to the bathroom. Nonetheless, we had quite the fun. We watched sheep dogs rounding sheep a pen, enjoyed a bit of a rodeo, pet some animals, rode ponies, and came face to face with many farm/ranch animals- including HUGE stock horses. All in all, the adventure was a success, and I know we'll have to do it again next year...but maybe on a weekday instead.

{change in game plan}

What is the difference between those who desire something noble and can't attain it through no fault of their own, and those who desire something noble and can?

So last August, I applied to Texas Wesleyan Nurse Anesthesia School. This has always been in my career path, but had not taken shape as a concrete goal. Until recently, nurse anesthesia school was not even remotely possible. I prayed about it consistently, but no window of opportunity opened. Take having kids, for example. And then, the fact that there is no nurse anesthesia school in the state we love most! And also my husband having a job that he very much enjoys. Then I found out that there is one school with primary clinical sites in Colorado. Actually, I found out minutes before Jonathan's surgery in August, from the nurse anesthesia who was on his case. So I applied, meeting the deadline by the skin of my nose, or however it goes... I was granted 2 interviews in December. Then the wait was on. As the time to hear back drew closer, this life change became the subject of most of Jon and I's conversations. I found myself putting off quite a few things until I heard back from TW- down to little things like taxes, a vacation, and ordering seeds for the garden... Each day, I grew more excited about the possibility of getting accepted and starting school, but reminded myself that they choose 125 out of 400 interviewed. Still, I anticipated success, planned out most of the details, and made preparations to make preparations.

All of which were put on hold indefinitely last night when I received a letter regretfully informing me that I had not been accepted. But they do wish me luck in the future! My first thought was that I have alot to do to get ready this year and apply to more places. My second reaction (when Jonathan gave me a big hug) was to cry. I didn't even realize how high I had thrown my hopes. And now, I must go on and try again. I've never really failed at anything this big. Until now. But was it failure? Maybe the timing was wrong. Or perhaps there is a better school?- there is one in Wichita, which I now plan to apply too. Alot to think about, to ponder, and re-assess. For now, my plan is to make every day count; to spend as much time as possible with Jonathan, Chad, and Katelyn; to go back to the ICU; take a stats course and CCRN; and to re-apply to at least 3 schools. And to keep praying.

Signing off...

{sun and moon}

Jonathan and I wonder at times what our dear children learn at school. Oh, they come home with crafts, some homework on letters, activities, etc... But this morning, the question on whether they retain the information was clearly answered.

We're on the way to school this morning. As Mr. Sun (Kate calls him this) shines bright in their eyes, a conversation strikes up in the back seat. Or rather, a debate between 2 young minds on whether or not the sun and moon have faces. Then they ask me to clear up the situation.

I answer: "Sometimes the moon looks like it has a face. But the moon really reflects light from the sun."
Chad: "Is there more than one sun?
Me: "Not in our solar system."
Katelyn: "Does the sun and moon have a family?"
Chad answers matter-of-factly: "Yes, 9 brothers and sisters: the planets, like Mars. And God is the dad." (No mom, I guess)
Katelyn: "What is the sun made of?"
Me: "It's actually a big ball of fire."
Chad asks: "Does it melt down into the sky?"
I'm about to answer, when Katelyn figures it all out with "IF THE SUN IS ON FIRE, THEN THE SUN NEEDS TO STOP, DROP, AND ROLL!!!"