A Belated Birthday Wish for my Dad.

Forgive me for getting this birthday wish up late, we have had Internet problems and I am just now getting back to the computer. Dad, we love you and can't wait to see you in a few weeks here in Omaha. Happy Birthday. We are blessed because you are an amazing father. Thank you for enriching our lives. Avery made you this card. I thought it was so cute and couldn't wait to show you. Here it is. A birthday wish for you. Hope you find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow someday...We love you clear to the moon and back!
P.S. That little green guy is a leprechaun..."little Louie" the leprechaun says Avery.

A weekend away

It's been a while since my last post. It looks like life has gotten in the way of recording life here on my blog. Boy, I need to catch up. We went to Denver last week and had a wonderful time. We ran off and left all of our school, work, meetings, church and activities behind. We escaped it all to visit Gigi, Papa and Uncle Robby. Yes, Uncle Robby and his girlfriend, Kat flew in from NYC. So, we piled in the car and rushed out to meet them in Colorado. The twins love Uncle Robby (Avery's not sure what the fuss is ....just kidding, Robby) They love to hang on him and snuggle up to him. But now, I must say the kids are smitten with Kat. Actually, we all loved meeting Kat. She endured the extra attention and constant "oogling" from my kids well. Thank you, Kat. The weekend went exactly like we planned. Jeff and I escaped the kids and had several dates and outings ALONE.
We are thankful to Gigi and Papa for being on "babysitting duty". We went out to dinner, shopped and got a massage together, we were spoiled.

And, still plenty of time spent playing with the whole family. While we are home, we always do a few traditional things that are required on a Denver visit... lots of games, stories, movies,wii, eating out to dinner,(Los Dos) a big slumber party for the kids, and of course, lots of shopping! Ellie was performing her lipsynch to Taylor Swift. I loved watching her. These are the things we look forward to when we are at Gigi and Papas house. Thanks so much for a time well spent. And, a double thank you for tending the kids.
It's always hard to say to goodbye. Usually Zachary's tears start flowing several hours before we depart. This weekend it was especially hard for the kids, they hate to wave goodbye. We'll be back soon and until then, goodbye Denver.

Our party planner in training...

Ellie and a few friends planed a Valentines day party. They organized the details, treats, crafts, games and decorations without any help from me. Truly a practice in self control on my part. Oh, how I would of loved to of made the invites, prepared"cute" valentines food, and taught clever games. But..., I restrained and let Ellie ( & company) go at it alone. This is her party planner. I love it. Looks as though she has thought of everything....except who is going to pay for this shindig. Ah ha, finally a need for her mama. We kept everything simple. Handmade invitations, few paper hearts for decoration, banana splits, crafty bookmarks, and of course Taylor Swift playing in the background. I wish everyone could witness the "cuteness" that is 7 girls making up dances together. Once again, acknowledge my restraint in keeping the video camera tucked safely in the drawer instead of recording their every move. Oh, how I wish. I did capture a few pics with Ellie's camera under the guise of "hey, it's YOUR camera not MINE." All through the day and night, she thanked me for allowing her this opportunity. It was a fun day. She's in training to become a great party planner!

Performing...

Friday night our ward hosted a talent show for the children. It was a night dedicated to kids and a chance to showcase their unique talents. We watched everything from piano solos to "How to make an egg sandwich" (my personal favorite). I loved it, nothing boasts a child's self esteem more than oodles of adults "ooh-ing and ah-ing over their hard work. At first, my children decided against performing on stage (no surprise there) and instead prepare a display. Ellie made friendship bread, and Avery made a craft. Avery worked on her Chinese lanterns for several days before hand. Ellie made a delicious loaf of bread and gave out copies of the recipe. Cute ideas.

However, when we arrived Zachary was bit by the "stage bug" and decided, spur of the moment that he and Jeff should sing "little parakeet" Wow, no coaxing, pleading, begging...just desire to sing. I wasn't prepared to feel such pride. Overwhelming love for this little brave boy. He got up on stage and sang, sang loud enough for all to hear. He looked to his daddy for constant reassurance but he... performed...on stage...in front of his peers. Congrats to the Zee man for a song well sung.

While Zach occasionally throws us a curve ball like singing on stage unprepared...Ellie never does. She is terrified of the stage. She has been since her first (and only) dance recital. I couldn't imagine what it would take to ever convince Elle to freely perform again. I underestimated the power of friendship! A group of her girlfriends quickly concocted a plan to lipsync and dance together for the last number of the night. Viola. The girls shined on stage. Our beloved Ellie had done the impossible. My heart was happy, even bursting at the seams. She conquered her fear and had fun doing it. I admire her will and applaud her efforts. I can learn a lot from that girl.

A memorable night for us.

My love

Happy Anniversary.

I am never happier than right by your side.

I love you now and forever,

Laurie

We are sad to see them leave ...

But we want to wish them well.

Our dear friends, the Enlows are moving home to Dallas. Sun night we gathered together for a party to send them off in style. A party they deserve. We met the Enlow family 2 years ago and instantly became fast friends. We connected. Kimberly is genuine. She inspires me. She shares her sweet spirit and generously gives love and compassion. I am thankful for her example. But as much as I have been touched by their kindness, no one more so than Zachy. Zach has a friend in Cole. Cole shares, teaches, and walks beside Zach with the same love that his parents have undoubtedly taught him to share. We feel blessed to know such caring children who have changed our little boys world. Thank you Cole, Spencer, Luke and Carson for giving so freely your friendship.

These are the kind of friends I wish for everyone.

Sunday night we met at the Keiser's beautiful home for a dessert after dinner. We enjoyed each others company while I walked around and snapped photos of our fun friends. We are determined to keep the "Omaha crew" alive in the minds of Kimberly and Jasen for a long time to come.

Lucky for me ...I love to talk ( oh, really) I plan to spend many afternoons chatting on the phone with my dear friend. Our love to the Enlow family and best wishes with your move.

Kimberly and MiaThe boys: Cole, Spencer and Easton
Jenifer, Kimberly and Rebekah
Shane and KeresaKimberly P. and DaveWendi and Mason Rebekah and Dave The Dudes

The little dudes Saving the best one for last...Zachary and his favorite Kimmie.

Say hello to our brave little champ.

before surgery

Zachary has been having headaches for the last couple of days. After a phone call to the neurosurgeon, we brought him into the er for a cat scan of his brain. Sure enough, his shunt was blocked and not draining the fluid. We had our suspicions and had mentally prepared for this outcome. But, still nothing will ever prepare you for the helpless feeling of watching your child being wheeled down the hall for brain surgery. Let it be known that this type of brain surgery (a shunt malfunction) is a relatively simple procedure ...for a brain surgeon! Does that ease my mind...heck NO! But, knowing that Zach is being watched out by a Heavenly Father who loves him certainly does. During a prayer for Zachary Jeff felt the "still small voice" whisper to him, "everything will be fine". He was put to ease. And, ultimately so was I. In addition to peace from prayers, Jeff provides me the added assurance and comfort I crave.



Wednesday night at midnight Zach was taken into surgery. 2 hours later we were holding him in our arms. He was a brave little champ. The surgery went better than expected. He woke up hungry, wanted pizza as early as 6:00 am.

after surgery(obviously)Zachary was so polite and charming he had the nurses, dr's and the anesthesiologist wrapped around his finger. What a dear little child. Since, he did so well, we were discharged Thursday night. He had grown accustomed to all the attention, and at one point commented "Whew, I sure am being pampered" With an endless supply of pudding and a fully stocked game room, he was reluctant to leave the hospital. Surely, he was well of aware that life at home would resume to normal.

In my constant pursuit to equalize the attention for the girls during Zach's hardships, I must mention his sweet sisters. Ellie is laying beside her brother right now, reading him a story. She nurtures and takes care of him like only a twin sister can. Both girls made him get well cards and offered up their favorite stuffed animals for the hospital stay. Love those girls, what perfect sisters.

I must also mention our amazing friends! Everyone pitched in and offered us help. Thanks to Mia, for letting me drop off 2 sleepy girls at 11:00 at night. The girls loved their 1st ever sleep over. Meals, Meals and more meals. Thanks to everyone willing to prepare us dinner...or lunch in some cases. So many sweet gestures, cookies and little gifts for Zach. Wow, the generosity of our friends in Omaha astounds us.

Now, this is my kind of vacation...

Games, Games, Games. Jeff took some vacation time this week and we, well... we just played! We did what we do best. Played with family, played with friends and laughed with each other. Oh yeah, and we relaxed! Besides games, we went to the movies, out to dinner, ate junk food (yes, I'm paying for it now) we went out with friends, and played some more... I loved every minute of having Jeff home all day. Tomorrow morning will come as quite a shock to all 5 of us. Kids go back to school, Jeff to work, and me to the GYM! Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to getting back to the routine. But, suffice it say this has been a fabulous first week of 2009!

Here's to wishing you all a happy year filled with hugs and kisses and snuggly times.

It doesn't get any better than this...

My heart is full with the joy of Christmas. I love to see the twinkle in the eyes of my children as they bound down the stairs on Christmas morning. The excitement is contagious. Their smiles heartwarming. We recognize the bounty of our blessings everyday. And give thanks to God in every way.

"Oh, what fun it is..."

To celebrate the holidays with both my parents and Jeff's. With a crowded and crazy house we were "laughing all the way." We played and ate our way through the entire week.

In our family Christmas Eve is traditionally spent going out to dinner. Since it's my birthday and I refuse to cook, we look to the few open restaurants to gather. This year and several of the past years we have ended up at the "Olive Garden" while it's not a gourmets dream it fits the celebration perfectly.

Speaking of birthdays, I had a wonderful one. I'm thankful to my friends and family for their kindness. Jeff surprised me with a video he made of friends wishing me a "Happy Birthday." The video's introduction was made by the children, and boy oh boy were they cute. Thank you to Jeff for thinking of this fun idea and for putting forth the effort to do it. I love you.

This day is not all about me. Christmas Eve is about traditions. The children open one present from us...always pajamas. Get cozy, comfy and choose one other present from under the tree to open. I love this night. It reminds me of my childhood and brings forth so many memories. Since it's the last night on the advent calender, we read another note to the children (from Jeff and I) and follow it up with the scriptures. After placing a plate of cookies and milk out for Santa we tuck our little ones in bed. This year they quickly fell fast to sleep, while dreaming of the magic yet to come.