The most important things in life aren't things...

Pull up a chair, grab some popcorn, this is going to be a long update! These last 2 weeks have been part wonderful and part extremely difficult. We have been making memories, and enjoying wonderful weather and then having moments we want to forget and having crummy weather! So, first for the good times:

Going along with the good weather, we took our boat out for a spin! We didn't get out on the boat much last summer and I hope this summer to use it more. We love to bring other families, so for all you locals who read my blog, let me know when you want to come play on our boat! It is usually a last minute invite, and we might ask you to hold a baby or a flag, but I guarantee a good time! All my kids have loved boating, even as a baby, and Bryce didn't cry, but he also didn't seem too sure about it yet! The water was freezing, but I had a great ski run!

We have been playing and visiting with friends and neighbors. We have been able to splash in the pool, play with chickens, and just enjoying great conversation. I love that in the summer everyone comes out of the woodwork! I love park days!



We have a new addition to our backyard, and I look forward to many hours of watching my kids out the window playing on this!

Jeff has been working hard in the yard replacing our front yard. The kids have had fun helping them. We planted a vegetable garden and look forward to eating from it, if I can get anything to grow!


We enjoyed a Saturday at the river watching boat races. It was supposed to be a rainy day and turned out beautiful!


We have been able to talk with family on Skype. It has been so fun for us and the kids to talk with cousins and grandparents! Thank goodness for technology.

Bryce turned 1!! I would say that this year has gone by quickly, but honestly it hasn't! Many things have happened this year that will not be soon forgotten, and I am so grateful to have Bryce in my home and family. I am going to do a post just about him, but for now just know we love this little munchkin! His birthday was in the middle of the week that I want to forget. So, here goes!

On Tuesday, Bryce woke up with a fever and Emily told me she didn't feel well. At about 10am, after spending the first few hours of the morning with one of both of them in my arms, they both fell asleep. I checked on Emily and she was a little warm. I went into the other room to send out an email canceling Bryce's birthday for the next day and to try to find someone to work for me that night. I heard Emily coughing in the other room and it just didn't sound right. I went over and saw a sight no parent should see. She was convulsing and foaming at the mouth. I dialed 9-1-1 immediately and then ran next door to my neighbor's because I knew I couldn't be alone. The ambulance arrived about 7 minutes later at which time she had finally stopped shaking. She still wasn't responding to me, but was breathing and her vital signs were good. We went to the ER and Jeff was able to meet me there. She finally recognized me and was of course miserable as they poked and prodded her. They ran many tests to find out exactly what was happening. They have determined it is a febrile seizure(fever induced) but we are having an MRI done just to be sure. She was doing much better by the next day, but then on Thursday she woke up throwing up. Not a fun day again. I am just so grateful she is doing well. Bryce is still somewhat sick, but I feel more out of the woods. We have amazing friends and neighbors who helped out with the kids and meals while we were in the ER. We have been so blessed!

I love being a mom so much, even during the hard times. I feel even closer to Emily and I hope I can be more patient with her. I was a little more upset about the tulips than I realized. My little brother asked, "What's the big deal?" And, he is right! These beautiful tulips were delivered to my door by a wonderful girl, Charity, who I have met through Marathon Mommies. It brightened my whole day and reminded me the most important things are our relationships. With our spouses, parents, children, family, and friends. I hope my kids will always know how important they are to me.